The Shinah Show: Recent Episodes
Shinah Chang
How exactly does someone with zero business or artistic training launch and grow a $900k business and build a life full of creativity and freedom? That’s exactly what The Shinah Show explores. Every week, I (Shinah Chang, a former corporate security lawyer turned wildly successful calligrapher and calligraphy teacher) share a lesson that I learned along my journey. Maybe you feel like you’re stuck in a life that doesn’t light you up inside. Maybe you’re craving more creativity, but you don’t think you’re “artistic” or “talented” enough to really go after it. Here’s some good news: you are NOT stuck. You CAN break out of unfulfilling routines and get more creative joy in your life! And I want to support you in your own journey to unleash your creativity and true self-expression.
“Even top ranked tennis players win barely more than half the points they play.” - Shinah
In today’s episode, I’m going to totally transform the way you think about business “mistakes” and “failures.” ‘Cause way too many of us go into business thinking you’ve gotta be close to perfect.Even Roger Freakin’ Federer, a world-renowned tennis player, barely won HALF his points while playing matches. BUT the key to his success was the fact that he did not focus on the points he lost. Instead, he let go of those past mistakes, took a breath, and chose to tackle the present moment - one point at a time.
On this episode of The Shinah Show, join me to learn:
- Why we need to redefine our outdated, elementary way of "grading" our business successes, and how it sets the total WRONG standard
- How to reframe your mindset & realize there is no one measure of “success”
- How messing up makes me HUMAN, and why me doing so shows my students that its OK to screw up (and not take things so seriously!)
- The embarrassing, unfortunate, and silly mistakes I have made throughout the past 10 years of this whole small-business-entrepreneurship journey I’m on
Business is just like life – you’re never going to get it perfect (and you shouldn’t have to!). Its messy, full of highs and lows, and sometimes uncomfortable – but hey, we’re all finding our way through it and getting better at it one day at a time.
Interested in starting your own calligraphy journey (and want some help with those messy, imperfect moments?). Come join me for my free workshop – let’s do some brave things together ❤️
FREE WORKSHOP:
- “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
"If you only measure business success in dollars... you'll never be satisfied, because you're never acknowledging the things that are actually making your life better." - Shinah
I just got back from my honeymoon trip to Paris and had a realization about why my business feels like a slam-dunk SUCCESS to me right now... despite me not reaching my goals in my last course launch.
Listen in to hear:
- High and lows of my honeymoon to Paris
- The unexpected reason I was dreading the return to my business
- The one thing I always give myself after every vacation... that feels like REAL SUCCESS to me
I hope this episode will help you to step back and realize you're probably more successful than you realize... and it's time to measure, acknowledge, and celebrate those successes, so you have the confidence and inspiration to KEEP GOING!
FREE WORKSHOP:
- “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“We’re not satisfied with the quality of your calligraphy, so we won’t be paying you.”Yes, that was actually said to me. And naïve, inexperienced Shinah hadn’t gotten payment upfront – so all my work ended up being for nothing. Sucks, right?
I recently shared this experience with my Calligraphy Biz Inner Circle members. Not to teach them about payment standards, but to remind them that client’s opinions can be brutal. But at the end of the day, they are just that – OPINIONS.
Join me this episode as I share the advice I gave my Inner Circle about:
- Battling our obsession with perfection (and how it’s actually self-centeredness)
- How to reframe your brain when it starts to catastrophize
- The best way to shake off a bad experience, and take it with a grain of salt
Make sure you stick around and see what ended up happening with this client(you won’t believe the twist of events!).
FREE WORKSHOP:
- “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“My life is always crazy and I’m running all over the place. I do so much for everyone else but calligraphy is something to call my own….and that is a feeling I didn’t even know I needed.”Danielle Williams is a BUSY person. She’s a full-time caregiver to her mother who has dementia, and a part-time healthcare worker. She never considered herself a “creative” person… and now she’s bringing in $300-1,200 PER MONTH with her calligraphy business!
Listen to learn how:
- Calligraphy has boosted her self-confidence and given her a sense of PURPOSE in life
- She got into teaching calligraphy workshops, on her own schedule, that brings in amazing extra income each month
- She’s surprising herself all the time and blowing her own mind with how much joy she’s able to bring into other peoples’ lives.
Danielle was a delight to talk to, and our conversation helps remind us all that even if you don't think you’re a “creative” person, you’re probably wrong! You’d be surprised at what you can find within yourself when you dig a little deeper.
You can find Danielle on Instagram @daniellejaneencalligraphy
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Watch the video training here
A concrete six-month PLAN you can follow to go from calligraphy beginner, to starting your own calligraphy business!
This is the roadmap I wish I had when I first started, because it tells you
1) The crucial building blocks and priorities to focus on, and
2) What you can ignore (despite "experts" telling you otherwise)
If you want the BEST GUIDANCE and MENTORSHIP possible on your calligraphy journey, our Pro Calligrapher Bundle of courses is open through this Friday, September 13, 2024!
--> It's a complete education in CALLIGRAPHY + BUSINESS... all in one, expertly-taught package, for just USD $997.
“I’m still afraid to put myself out there because now there are so many more experienced calligraphers than there were back then.” - ShinahToday I’m talking about one of the biggest fears that keeps calligraphers from putting themselves out there – competition.
When you’re just starting out, you may think that NO ONE will want to pay you for your calligraphy – but in reality, you are so wrong. Not everyone wants to spend thousands of dollars to address their wedding invitations in calligraphy (but perhaps they ARE willing to spend a few hundred on an up-and-coming calligrapher who has the skills to get the job done).
Join me on this episode of “The Shinah Show” as I share real life examples of beginner calligraphers who landed well-paying jobs just by putting themselves out there (and how they did it!). I’m also sharing the fears I hear from students all the time, and how to:
- Ditch the “calligraphy bubble” & the lies it tells your brain
- Quit catastrophizing (and why it’s successes worst enemy)
- Set yourself apart from “all the other calligraphers”
- Focus on the non-financial benefits of a creative side-hustle to motivate you, and help you think less “black and white”, and more about what’s possible if you just step a little out of your comfort zone
I have met COUNTLESS students who have feared competition & putting themselves out there. But once they did, they never looked back (and were soooo happy they did it!). I hope this episode inspires you to pursue your creative passions and be your truest self.
Wanna hear about the EASIEST way to start a calligraphy biz?? Click HERE to listen to episode 52 of “The Shinah Show” – Easiest Way to Start Your Biz!
Let's tackle those fears together!!
We're right in the middle of my “Newbie To Pro Calligrapher” Challenge - and there's still plenty of time to jump in! Lessons & videos will remain posted in our Facebook Group. so you can catch up on your own time! Join HERE so you don’t miss the free lessons, daily prizes, and tactical business tips.
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“I’m no longer afraid to put myself out there... Because of my hearing loss, I’ve always been a little intimidated by new people. But calligraphy has given me a great deal of confidence. And I’m proud of my work.” - Amanda Nicole BorneToday, I’m talking to my student Amanda - a substitute teacher and calligraphy biz owner who is also dealing with progressive hearing loss.
There’s SO MUCH VALUE in our conversation, including:
- How calligraphy has provided connection and confidence, despite hearing loss
- Creative ways to get calligraphy jobs that I’ve NEVER HEARD of before - with NO social media!
- How Amanda is using the profits from her calligraphy biz (hint: it involves international travel and life-threatening surgery for her husband)
Amanda took our calligraphy courses during the pandemic, despite both her and her husband losing their jobs… and she says the investment was “Absolutely worth it. It’s not like taking a trip, where you do it once and then only have the memories. I learned a SKILL that I can use for the rest of my life.”Find Amanda at LoveLettersByAmandaCalligraphy.comGet started on YOUR calligraphy journey for FREE with my “Newbie To Pro Calligrapher” Challenge starting September 2nd! Join HERE so you don’t miss the free lessons, daily prizes, and tactical business tips.
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Life is ALWAYS going to get in the way of your dreams. There I said it.
I recently hosted my 'Calligraphy Business Inner Circle', where I gathered with a small group of students for an 8-week intensive to set them on their path towards entrepreneurship.
As we’re coming down the home stretch, one of the biggest roadblocks we hit was, “life is getting in the way”. Family, friends, work, taking care of YOURSELF… ALL of it swallows up your time. I get it - even 20 minutes a day can seem overwhelming.
But you know what I told them? You have to carve that shit out – because you will not find it waiting for you at the end of the day.
Join me in this episode as I share some “tough love” with my students (and all of you!) and give them a reality check (& a little kick in the rear) about their priorities, time management, and making “emotionally risky” decisions.
Starting a business might be uncomfortable, and it might take sacrifices. But you have to take back your POWER, and control over your life, if you want to truly take this path. Life can’t just ’happen’ to you, you have to live it.
If you're ready to take back your POWER, my BIGGEST free training is right around the corner! My “Newbie To Pro Calligrapher” Challenge starts September 2nd, and registration is open! Join HERE so you don’t miss out on any of the fun (free lessons, live trainings taught by yours truly, and did someone say awesome prizes?!?). See you there!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
In a not-so-distant time ago, I was cowering under my fancy corporate lawyer desk praying no one would find me. I was miserable and dreaded waking up and going to work every day.
So I quit, and started working for myself – and then completely burned out and quit that too for a while. So when someone asks me, “Do you regret entrepreneurship?”, that is a VERY good question.
It has taken me being employed & self-employed to see that most people tend to think the grass is greener on the other side. But what if I said it’s really all an illusion?
Join me in this week's episode of The Shinah Show as I share my real time realizations from each perspective in the areas of:
- Money – the stability of a salary vs. the potential for big wins (and big losses)
- Time – being on someone else’s timeline with a finite end to the day vs. having the freedom to create your own workday (but work always following you home)
- Determination – having someone motivate & praise you for a job well done vs. being your own boss and motivating yourself to get things done
Whichever path you take, you still might feel as if you’re “missing out”. However, life is full of seasons – and you can change your mind and explore your options at ANY time. Remember, it doesn’t always have to be one or the other - you can find your own balance between the two that works for your life.
And if you want to grow and explore the possibilities out there, my BIGGEST free training is right around the corner! My “Newbie To Pro Calligrapher” Challenge starts September 3rd, but registration is open! Join HERE so you don’t miss out on any of the fun (free lessons, live trainings taught by yours truly, and did someone say awesome prizes?!?). See you there!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Not many people realize calligraphy goes WAYYYY beyond weddings – and is growing exponentially in almost every place possible.From presidential (and royal) calligraphers, to highly specialized pieces for celebrities & T.V. shows (Bridgerton anyone?, simple “pen and paper” items only scratch the surface of this industry – as well as the things I’ve made throughout my 9 years as a professional calligrapher.
In this episode, I’m sharing 5 of the COOLEST projects I’ve had the pleasure of penning. I’m also diving into:
- How these unique projects found their way into my portfolio
- Some of the new categories & places calligraphy has started to appear that you’d NEVER think was possible
- Why networking is such a powerful tool
- Ways to expand your thinking and find unique jobs outside of the wedding industry
In a world that is busy making technological advances every second, so many people are looking for ways to slow down and return to the simple ways of the past – and calligraphy fits the bill for just that. I hope this episode opens your eyes as to just some of cool the places calligraphy can take you (and make you money!).
*And if you want to learn how to begin your journey in this growing industry, my free webinar is the BEST place to start! Sign up HERE to get access to my hour-long training that will show you exactly what you need to do to get your foot in the door!***
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
I’ve never told my whole story in one episode… so here it is. How I ended up as a successful but unhappy lawyer. How I got out. And how I hit the calligraphy business “jackpot”.
Listen to hear:
- The REAL reason I decided to quit law (that I’ve never shared before)
- The humiliating thing I did as a third grader that held me back from becoming an entrepreneur
- How much -I- was responsible for my million-dollar business success (and how much was plain ol’ luck)
The main lesson? It’s POSSIBLE to live a more creative, unconventional, off the beaten path life. It’s risky and it’s hard and it requires growth and confronting all the things you criticize about yourself. But it’s so so beautiful.
FREE WORKSHOP:
- “How to Become a Calligraphy Pro” Educational Workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
How I learned to accept my imperfect body… and how that went hand-in-hand with business growth.
In this vulnerable episode, I share openly about:
- How growing up Korean-American in this jacked up culture led to seriously disordered eating patterns for most of my adult life
- What happened when I finally did lose a lot of weight in my 20s… and how it didn’t bring me the peace I desperately wanted
- How I finally embraced more intuitive eating and fun exercise - by working on the source of my self-hatred
Here’s the main lesson: Deciding to go after my own happiness and inner love… that was the KEY to every blessed thing in my life right now. My beautiful business, my amazing husband, and my (mostly) peaceful relationship with my own body.
It’s really HARD to confront your own self-criticism and face the stuff you most fear… and it’s SO SO WORTH IT. I promise.
Wanna hear more about my journey from corporate to creative? 👇Sign up to get a curated list of my BEST Shinah Show Episodes (out of 100!)- organized into categories like “My Journey” and “Tactical Business Advice”
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“Settling” for my husband has taught me SO MUCH about business…
“We hold onto these perfectionist fantasies about what we’re supposed to do with our lives and the person we’re supposed to be with… that really harm us in the end.” - Shinah
My husband is NOT the man I expected to marry. In fact, I was only open to dating him after reading a book called “MARRY HIM: The Case for Settling for Mr. Good Enough” by Lori Gottlieb.
But it turned out to the best choice of my life.
And letting go of the idea of my “perfect man” not only led me to the love of my life… but it taught me crucial business lessons, too.
So, keep listening to hear:
- Everything I thought I wanted in a partner and why I was so wrong about most of it
- My husband’s numerous “disqualifications” and the real drama of letting go of that perfectionist ideal
- THREE CRUCIAL business lessons I’ve learned from this experience - because “perfect” in business doesn’t mean what you think it means
And don’t forget to join me next week as I share the story of my “B-“ Body (that I think every woman will relate to).
Interested in starting your own calligraphy business? 👇Register for my FREE workshop HERE and learn how to take the first steps in your calligraphy journey with my PRO CALLIGRAPHER BUNDLE!!
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FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
As a recovering perfectionist, the idea of publishing “less than perfect” work way felt totally wrong early on in my business.
I would spend hours scrutinizing the tiniest of details, thinking no one would possibly take me seriously (much less buy anything from me!) otherwise. But all those hours spent overanalyzing weren’t getting me any further with my business.So I took a course from one of my business mentors looking for answers - and I saw how she simplified her content and didn’t overthink what she put out there. To even further support her method, I started to see all the up-and-coming “bro marketers” doing the same thing – they were putting out SUPER basic, simple content – and their numbers were BANANAS. Seeing so many creators putting out flawed content (and winning with it) inspired me to do the same – and it changed the way I operate my business forever.Join me in this 1st episode of a 3 part series on living a “B-“ life as I discuss:
- Why publishing B- content can make you a more flexible & successful business owner
- How utilizing the 80/20 rule can take you from a B- to an A, and show you what your audience really wants (without spending hours polishing a turd)
- Why imperfection and being human is more relatable to your audience, and the direction marketing is going
You DO NOT have to be an “A” person to be successful!! Being more loosey-goosey might feel weird at first, but once you see how much simpler being B- can be, I know you’ll start implementing it in your own life too.
And don’t forget to join me for part 2 next week as I share the story of my “B-“ Husband (cause it’s gonna be a good one!).
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“I’m hopeful for the future now…”
Jessica has been a middle-school teacher for 20 years, but the last six have been a real struggle.
But CALLIGRAPHY has changed all of that.
Jessica re-discovered the childhood hobby she had loved so much, then decided to enroll in my Calligraphy Biz Starter Guide Course - so she could finally do something more with her passion.
And starting her calligraphy business has literally BROUGHT HER BACK TO HERSELF. In this episode, Jessica tells me how:
- She’s partnering with local small businesses to get calligraphy jobs in brilliant ways I’ve NEVER heard of before!
- Calligraphy, as a hobby, is VITAL to her mental well-being, and also
- Calligraphy, as a business, has helped her overcome the crippling imposter syndrome she’s always struggled with
This is one of the MOST POWERFUL interviews I’ve ever done, because it shows how much you can TRANSFORM yourself and your life… if you go after your creative passions and take steps towards what you truly desire!
Jessica can be found at:
- IG: https://www.instagram.com/fine_script_studio
- WEB: https://finescriptstudio.com/
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Ready to take your creative business to the next level?! My Biz Starter Guide Course is open for enrollment right now through July 7th, 2024!
Come join me and learn how to establish your business easily - and without the headaches and stress of doing it yourself!
Want even more help?? I'm opening my "Inner Circle" Business Program to a handful of students, where we'll be doing a deep-dive into establishing your business with one-on-one coaching from me! Click HERE for all the info!
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FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“What if it goes RIGHT?!?”
Jana Ricci began her company “Fishtail Flourish” after stepping away from a 6-figure career as a Director of Marketing. Finally giving herself permission to do something for herself, she became immersed in my calligraphy courses during COVID - and never looked back.
Jana spends a lot of her time in (go figure) the small town of Fishtail, Montana. Tapping into her “posse”, she quickly picked up a job teaching calligraphy and spreading her love of calligraphy within her community. These days she can be found around town hosting classes, networking, and creating commissioned pieces for individuals as well as charity events.
Join me as I speak with Jana and discover:
- How to shed your identity & say out loud who you truly are (don’t compare!)
- Why starting SLOW is still starting
- How my Biz Starter Guide course was extraordinarily useful – even for someone who came from the corporate world
- Why it doesn’t matter how many calligraphers are out there (spoiler alert they aren’t you!)
It is so important to hold the belief in yourself that you can succeed FIRST - then everything else will fall into place. I hope this inspires you to do so.
Jana Ricci can be found at:
@fishtailflourish
Fishtailflourish.com
Ready to take your creative business to the next level?! My Biz Starter Guide Course is open for enrollment right now through July 7th, 2024!Come join me and learn how to establish your business easily - and without the headaches and stress of doing it yourself! Want even more help?? I'm opening my "Inner Circle" Business Program to a handful of students, where we'll be doing a deep-dive into establishing your business with one-on-one coaching from me! Click HERE for all the info!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
I broke into the calligraphy industry at one of the most ideal times.
Instagram videos were on the rise & local maker events were popping up everywhere, giving me the opportunity to network my business. Then COVID quarantined everyone, and people were looking for something to do amidst the stagnant, day-to-day monotony of being stuck inside – and calligraphy’s popularity hit an all-time high.
I rode the wave as long as I could – but it didn’t last.
Since then, I’ve had to constantly change my strategy - growing and evolving with the trends and times. It has NOT been easy (read – I NEVER went to school for business or took any business courses before starting my company) – but after throwing spaghetti at the wall for a while, I developed a 3-bucket strategy to steadily grow my sales and client base.
In this episode of The Shinah Show, I share with you:
- How I grew Crooked Calligraphy into a million dollar plus company
- My strategies for handling different types of clients
- What I would change if I could do it all over again
Stepping into any industry is difficult – but with the right formula of offerings, marketing and operations, you can easily get your foot in the door, no matter what types of clients you are serving!
I have learned SO MUCH over my 8 years as a business owner – and one of the biggest lessons has been to pay it forward. I would have never gotten to where I am today without those who have gone before me sharing the necessary know-how to do so. I hope this episode makes business feel more doable and inspires you to take the leap and go after your dreams!
FREE CALLIGRAPHY BIZ SUMMER SCHOOL - My Calligraphy Biz Summer School is still in full swing! I'm teaching 3 weeks of foundational business lessons, resources and mindset reframes, to help you get closer to your calligraphy dreams
Register right HERE
This is all leading up to the doors opening to my “Calligraphy Biz Starter Guide” course on July 1st, 2024! This is the LAST time I’ll be offering it at the introductory price of $497 before its closed it for a major overhaul. Get in NOW to get the course (AND all the updates) at this price!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
So you want to start a calligraphy business – that’s awesome! But wait… are there too many calligraphers out there already that it’s going to be impossible to create your own space and stand out in this industry?This was an actual (and legitimate) question I got in my Instagram DM’s by a follower a few weeks ago. She was wondering if the market was too saturated for new calligraphers to make it – and let me tell you, this is NOT the first time I’ve heard this concern. With so many established calligraphers out there already in such a niche industry, it can feel like you won’t be able to get your foot in the door (much less make money!). But in reality, this industry (and many others like it) is ever-changing – and there IS a seat at the table for you!
In this week's episode of The Shinah Show, I’m going to pop the ‘calligraphy bubble’ you’ve been living inside and show you:
- Why there is more room in this industry than you think
- How being a “beginner” can work to your advantage
- Where to find customers (hint they are a lot closer than you think!)
- Why getting over your ‘imposter syndrome’ is absolutely necessary in order to make it
There are SO many ways for you to profit from calligraphy, and so many different pockets of customers out there you probably haven’t thought of that never knew they needed you - you just have to get out there and be brave!
Wanna see how many different ways you can profit from in the calligraphy industry? Join my month-long Calligraphy Biz Summer School! Starting June 17th 2024, I’m giving away FREE calligraphy resources, teaching you how to get started on the right foot, and showing you just how many ways you can make money with this skillset!
Register HERE to access a new lesson and free resource each week!
Previous episode referenced in this week's podcast
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Who has ever said, “I’d LOVE to do that – but I have no time!”
We’ve ALL said it, felt it, and truly meant it.
Time is fleeting in today’s world - we’re constantly running from point A to point B, being a slave to our to-do list of ‘highly important’ tasks. We’re “time famished” – constantly looking to squeeze a few more minutes out of our day.What if I told you that instead of feeling time famished, you could find more spaciousness in your life by using your ‘time-confetti’ in a way that allows you to find those extra moments in the day? And in turn, having the time to do those things that once seemed impossible to fit in!Join me in this episode of “The Shinah Show” as I discuss:
- What “time confetti” is and why it will blow your mind
- Why our priorities are totally out of whack, and how we actually end up using our time (spoiler alert not in the most productive of ways!)
- How finding the right creative outlet for you can CREATE more time and spaciousness in your life, so you aren’t trying to scrounge up a few minutes here and there
I’m excited to show you how you can take control of your time, and finally be able to find activities that light you up. You’ll find yourself eager to get back to them that you’ll magically find more free time throughout your day.
HEY YOU!!! Did you know we’re HALFWAY through 2024 (I can’t even believe it!). Did you know that if you started RIGHT NOW working towards building a successful creative business and being your own boss, you could achieve it – all before we ring in 2025?
Interested in learning how? Click here to attend my FREE workshop where I show you how to go from an absolute beginner, to having your own business in just 6 months!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
350 place cards, 110 welcome cards, 40 table cards, and 8 menu templates later… I just completed my first $10k corporate calligraphy job in quite some time - And I am TIRED…
Trust me, I don’t say this to brag – I say it to show all of you aspiring creatives and calligraphers that these jobs ACTUALLY exist. It’s not uncommon to find big brands with a company portfolio requiring calligraphy for their signature events (and this client just happens to be one of them).
I want to be clear:
- No, you probably aren't going to land you a job like this until you have years of calligraphy experience under your belt...
- No, you cannot go out there as a newbie and charge $250 an hour,,,
- No, being a calligrapher is not always exciting, or glamorous, or easy on the body...
But little by little, all those local events, orders received from family, and chances to hone your skillset build up your resume - so you CAN land those high-paying once-in-a-lifetime jobs.
Join me as I spill all the tea on what it's really like to work on a glamorous, high-stakes, celebrity-filled, luxury brand EVENT. Listen to find out:
- How a connection I made in 2018 was the key to landing me this gig
- The most important lessons I want to pass on to you, and
- What I did in the "servants quarters" on the night of the event 😂
I can’t wait to eventually share ALLLL the things I’ve learned through this extremely high-pressure, but very realistic, corporate calligraphy job (and my best tips to help you land one too!).
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Imagine if listening to this podcast right now, could change the entire trajectory of your life??
That’s what happened when Magda - podcast listener turned calligrapher & businesswoman - tuned into the 1st episode of "The Shinah Show" after my 9-month hiatus… with no other intentions than having something to break up her day amidst working her corporate job, folding laundry & chasing after her two kids (I mean, can you relate?!?).
After binging ALL of "The Shinah Show" Episodes, Magda decided to dive into calligraphy a little over a year ago. Fresh to the industry, she is just starting her journey as a bona-fide calligrapher with her first paid job in the books!
Join me in this full circle moment for Magda as she sits down with me on the very podcast that began her journey to discuss:
- How you can develop a more “spacious” life with the help of calligraphy
- Why action is better than over-thinking
- How our creative brains can get in our way (rather than OUT of our way!)
- Why surrounding yourself with positive examples makes all the difference (don’t let the ‘calligraphy bubble’ get in the way of your success!)
Doing it messy is STILL doing it – and Magda’s story is such a great example of just that. You don’t have to always need a perfectly laid-out plan – as long as you are open to the possibilities in front of you and the journey ahead of you, I am so incredibly proud of how Magda has put herself out there - and I know her journey is just getting started!
Follow Magda on Instagram @magdalenamaria_calligraphy
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Growing up as a first-generation Korean-American, I was raised to believe that meeting “perfect” milestones would make me happy. There was never any letter other than an A on my report cards, a number other than 1600 on my SATS (and PSATS), or a university I attended with a ranking less than #1 in the nation (ok, don’t hate me – I promise it’s not all sunshine and rainbows).
But while I was on this seemingly “perfect path of perfectionism”, I was also the most unhappy I’ve ever been. This track was making me miserable rather that making me happy – which is exactly what I WASN’T expecting.
And after crawling out from underneath my desk (literally), I burned out – quite literally - and realized I had failed to maintain this ‘perfect’ lifestyle.
Join me on this episode of The Shinah Show as I recount my life story through a lens of perfectionism and share with you:
- How perfection eventually became my façade to hide behind, rather than my reality
- The lengths I’ve gone to in order to maintain my “perfect” records
- How crippling the pressure of perfectionism can be
- How I dug myself out of a constant cycle of burnout – and how you can, too
I hope this episode speaks to all of you with perfectionist tendencies, and shows you that we ALL need to give ourselves a little more grace, a little less judgement, and a damn chance to rest sometimes.
I’m back for Season 3!
“I’m realizing that this is my damn business, and I can take it in any direction I want.” - Shinah
The theme for this season is ANTI-PERFECTIONISM
- Season 1 was launched at the peak of my “pandemic success” - million dollar years, thousands of students, so much exposure through ads and social media
- Season 2 was the year of “coming back” after burnout and a long break… and struggling HARD emotionally to regain my confidence and reset my goals and expectations
- Season 3 is going to be both deeper and broader - I’ll still talk about calligraphy and creative business, but I want to explore the WHY behind it all. Which is that we all want to feel more at peace with ourselves and less afraid… and I think confronting our perfectionism through inner work and creativity is a beautiful way to do that.
In this episode, I catch you up on:
- How I’m doing emotionally & financially right now (with real numbers, of course)
- How my current sturdiness is a direct result of the emotional turbulence of 2023; and
- My powerful MANIFESTO for Season 3 - the real message I want to get out into the world
Read the full Manifesto right here 👉 shinahchang.com
THANK YOU for being here!
I’ve got some exciting episodes planned for the future, and I’m so thankful that I get to be in your earbuds each week =)
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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I’m taking a little break from the Podcast and here’s why…
“This is the scariest thing I’ve ever done and I’m terrified.” - Shinah
FIRST: Crooked Calligraphy is NOT going anywhere
In fact, I’ve created a brand-new FREE CALLIGRAPHY STYLE MONTH for March 2024.
✍️ So, if you want free lessons on how to think about style BUILDING BLOCKS, so you can level-up your CONFIDENCE and go after truly dreamy clients… SIGN UP RIGHT HERE.
SECOND: I am taking time to start something new
And I don’t know exactly what it is yet.
What I do know is that this new branch of my business will:
- Help you to move towards a life that FEELS TRUER to yourself
- Take up my Thursdays and Fridays from here on (so calligraphy will be Mon-Wed only)
- Be raw and messy and exciting and will involve some kind of weekly PODCAST or BLOG-type sharing
👉 I don’t even know what I’m selling yet in this new business, but if you wanna come along for the ride, come follow me on my Personal IG @shinahchang
THIRD: Thank you for your support on this journey
This podcast means so much to me, I’m so THANKFUL that you’re here, and I hope you’ll continue with me on this weird ride called life. 😉
Let’s get into part 2 of how to start a calligraphy business with arguably one of THE most important things – how to attract customers & keep them with the services you’re providing!
There is a LOT that goes into starting a business – which might sound incredibly scary. But this is stuff though where you actually need to show up and courageously keep trying. Of course, you don’t need to do EVERYTHING when you’re first starting out- but you need to know the IMPORTANT things to do to establish yourself (and I’m here to tell you what they are!).
In this episode of The Shinah Show, I break down the essential things you should do when starting your business to attract and keep customers. We’ll cover:
- Why developing your brand identity FIRST will make everything else infinitely easier
- The art of crafting your online presence via a website (and all things social media)
- The “who/what/where” of finding your ideal clientele
- How to keep customers using the “5 P’s”
- A Cliff’s Note’s version of the beast that is Etsy
I promise following this outline & narrowing down your to-do list will help save you from slipping into decision-making paralysis, and allow you to streamline your customer acquisition strategy. It's not nearly as overwhelming or scary as you think - and totally doable. If I can do it, you can too!
Read a Blog version of this Podcast right here!
RESOURCES:
Check out Episode 52 if you're a brand new beginner HERE!!
Wanna hear more about the Pros & Cons of Etsy?? I break it all down in Episode 77!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
I’m de-mystifying the legal & financial steps to officially setup your calligraphy or art business.
“I promise, by the end of this episode, this stuff will feel less overwhelming and more DOABLE.” - Shinah
If you’ve ever dreamed of making money with your art, but this scary logistical stuff is what’s stopping you, grab a notepad ‘cause we’re getting into the nitty gritty!
LEGAL SETUP
- Choosing a Business Name
- Deciding on a Legal Structure: Sole Proprietorship v. LLC v. S-Corp
- Evaluating permits using my “Top-Down” System
FINANCIAL SETUP
- Separating business & personal finances
- Tracking & Invoicing Software
- Bare Minimum Contracts
- Business Insurance - General and “Day Of”
- Sales Tax Considerations
Read a BLOG version of this podcast right here.
OTHER RESOURCES
- EPISODE 52: The Easiest Way to Start a Business - If you are BRAND-NEW and want to start with a more casual "Beginner Business”
- Contract Template for Calligraphers
- Path to a $79K Calligraphy Biz FREE GUIDE
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Betcha didn’t know I was a huge fantasy nerd🤓… and other (maybe) interesting facts
In today’s light-hearted episode, I share 13 things you probably didn’t know about me!
Including:
- The 21 countries I’ve traveled to
- The martial arts black belt I never use…
- What I do in my 40s that I would NEVER DARE to do in my 20s
Hopefully you feel like you know me a little better. If there’s anything that surprised you, or that you can relate to… DM me on Instagram and let me know!
(Oh and here’s the brand-new Crooked Calligraphy website that I was obsessively working on today)
--
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- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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What could you accomplish if you no longer feared failure?
"I’m more open than ever to feeling it ALL… success, disappointment, shame, and extraordinary gratitude." - Shinah
If you go after something brave and a little unusual… you WILL face failure and disappointment.
Here’s what I do so that those feelings make me stronger, instead of crushing me:
- Three PRACTICAL things I do to re-frame thoughts of failure, and
- The ONE PERSPECTIVE SHIFT I keep coming back to that helps me embrace all of life, the good and the ugly
Because the confidence that comes from being “successful” is a conditional and fragile thing… especially when compared to the quiet POWER of being willing to fail.
Link to Episode 215 of the "We Can Do Hard Things" Podcast
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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"I made more money than my husband, for the very first time in my life... with calligraphy!" - Priscilla Basilio, Crooked Calligraphy StudentToday, I’m interviewing someone who went from:
- Not knowing anything about calligraphy... to
- Bringing in more money with her calligraphy business last December than her husband did with his full-time job!
Priscilla of Priscilla Basilio Design Studio has SUCH an inspiring story to share. ✨ She never imagined she could own a business, let alone grow it to replace her full-time income- **and our calligraphy and business courses are what helped her along the way. ✨
Join me as I hear all about her journey and how she went from not even knowing what calligraphy was (!!!!), to finally beating her husband in monthly income 😏, and what her future has in store!**"They were literally life-changing. If you're curious at all about learning calligraphy, just take Shinah's courses - you won't regret it!" - Priscilla
Priscilla's IG @priscillabasilliodesignstudio
✍️ Our Signature Calligraphy Courses & Bundle are available to purchase RIGHT NOW!!✍️
Modern Calligraphy 101, Modern Calligraphy 201 & our Pro Bundle are open for enrollment until Friday, January 26th at 11:59PM PDT!
The Pro Calligrapher Bundle gives you everything you need to go from complete calligraphy beginner, to developing a signature style, to SELLING your calligraphy so you can start to bring in some fun side income. Come check them out 👉 👉 HERE!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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If you’re afraid to follow your creative dreams, I’m going to give you some perspective today that will totally DISARM your fear (and it’s not what you might think).
I’ve been encouraging people to go after their creativity in the form of calligraphy for 8 years now. I’ve sold courses that cost $500 or more – and I’ve also heard EVERY excuse under the sun why people don’t want to take that first step on their creative journey.All those objections have one common thread – they are born out of FEAR.
Join me in this podcast as I share with you:
- The craziest objections I’ve heard born out of fear, and how people overcame them
- Why you should acknowledge your fears, but not let them run the show
- How to find YOUR own definition of creative success
- How to utilize your fear objectively as a tool rather than run away from it
I hope this episode shows you that your fear is not that special – or unique for that matter. Don't buy its bullshit, and certainly don’t let it keep you from your dreams.
My FREE “Newbie to Pro Calligrapher” Challenge is going on RIGHT NOW through January 19th!! I'm teaching daily calligraphy lessons throughout the week that culminate in my LIVE webinar - where I show you how to go from a totally new calligrapher to owning your own business in SIX MONTHS!
There is still time to catch up & join in on the fun - all for FREE! Register HERE!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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Genell of @speciallyinked is a BRUSH PEN calligrapher (yes, not all calligraphers use pointed pen!) who started her calligraphy journey as a fun venture - unaware of her savvy marketing skills at the time.
She had never really thought of herself as “creative”. But after taking my Modern Calligraphy 201 course (and showing her friends her progress along the way) Genell finally gained the confidence she needed in her abilities... just not her “business abilities”...
After setting down her brush pen for 2 WHOLE YEARS doubting she could pull off launching her own business, she picked it back up on a whim to create a card for a baby shower. Little did she know that simple card would be what reignited her passion to pursue her business dreams once again.
Join me as Genell and I discuss:
- How tapping into your friends as a creative resource can also cultivate your following at the same time
- The Dunning-Kruger Effect and why starting a business can leave you deep in the Valley of Despair
- How the quest to be perfect is SILLY, and figuring it out messy is still figuring it out
- Genell’s very first launch and how it went – from product, to pricing, to sales – and what gave her the guidance she needed to pull it off!
If you’ve ever wanted to start a business but gotten stuck one way or another, you DON’T want to miss this powerful episode!
Genell's IG @speciallyinked
Genell's Etsy Page
**Have you registered for my FREE “Newbie to Pro Calligrapher” Challenge yet?? It's happening January 14th-19th and everyone is welcome! I’ll be teaching FREE, simple lessons so you can learn calligraphy in bite sized pieces that keep creativity FUN!
I’ll be going LIVE each day to teach interactive lessons & give you a solid foundation to begin your calligraphy journey (oh, and there’s also some SWEET prizes we’ll be giving away)! **
There's still time to join! Register HERE!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
psst... Join our FREE 5-Day Calligraphy Challenge (starts Jan 14, 2024)
If you’re hoping for more creative exploration and expression in 2024, I’m here to bust some myths about what it truly means to be “creative” and explain why as a society we need to re-think creativity just like we’re re-thinking SEX.
Join me in this episode as I debunk some of the most common myths of creativity like:
- 'You should enjoy creativity for creativity’s sake – the art is enough to keep you happy!'
- 'You should ALWAYS feel pulled to be “spontaneously creative.”'
- 'Once you find your creative passion, it’ll just click and you’ll effortlessly AMAZING at it!'
Being creative doesn’t have to overwhelm you and your life – you can find a balance all your own!
**And if you’re looking for an easy way to bring a little creativity into your life in 2024, join me for my FREE “Newbie to Pro Calligrapher” Challenge January 14th-19th! I’m teaching FREE, simple lessons so you can learn calligraphy in bite sized pieces that keep creativity FUN!
I’ll be going LIVE each day to teach interactive lessons & give you a solid foundation to begin your calligraphy journey (oh, and there’s also some SWEET prizes we’ll be giving away)! **
Register NOW so you can be sure to get your supplies before we start! See ya there!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Clarity can only come from Action
“There’s just no way to over-think yourself into true understanding. That’s why I’m walking away from this year with so many lessons.” - Shinah
This year, I did NOT hit my financial goals. And I beat myself up constantly… all while creating new offers, trying new business ventures, and feeling like a failure most of the time.
AND… I’m feeling really optimistic about the future. How?
Because I know this year was all about growth. So I wanted to share my biggest lessons, that will be helpful for anyone trying to go after a more true and fulfilling life:
- Transitions are always harder and longer than you think - so give yourself grace, allow yourself to feel uncomfortable, and trust that you’ll come out the other side
- Clarity comes from action - so if you’re in your head spinning about “What should I sell in my calligraphy business?” Stop overthinking and go out there and try some stuff out!
- It’s ok if you’re not ready to let go of everything to “follow your joy” - there’s an illusion out there that if you just follow your heart, you’ll have a magical life. And I believe that’s true… but it won’t be the magical life you expect. So it’s ok if you’re not ready to completely let go of your current life… there’s a way to find a balance of doing what needs to be done, but also following the fun.
And the one lesson underneath it all…. COMPARISON IS THE ROOT OF ALL UNHAPINESS.
I was so shitty to myself this year that I got really familiar with that negative, critical voice. I can recognize it immediately now and it’s ALWAYS triggered by comparing myself to:
- Where other people are
- Where I “should be” by now
- Where I used to be
Fortunately, we all have the power inside us to recognize that nagging voice of comparison and reframe it. I hope you recognize that power in yourself, even if just a little bit.
The Crooked Calligraphy Holiday Shop is open for one more week - and it’s full of delightful deals on some of our most beloved workbooks & mini courses! Check it out right here**.
FOLLOW SHINAH**:
- Join our community of creativity-seeking souls over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
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I’m officially back from Korea, and settling back into my CEO role as I break down how Crooked Calligraphy has fared in the 10 months since I’ve dismantled & rebuilt it once again!
As I process my feelings and look back on the last year, I’ve had quite the love/hate relationship with its performance. While my revenue was almost spot on to my prediction, it came in multiple forms this year as opposed to the past, including:
- Life coaching
- My evergreen webinar funnel
- Collaborations with fellow creatives
- Mini courses & workbooks
- Live workshops & bootcamps
One thing has become overwhelmingly clear throughout this learning process - there are two ways of looking at EVERYTHING. And my yearn for perfection has sometimes made it difficult for me to see the “glass half full” side of things. After this year though, I’m learning to be a little less critical of myself - and PROUD of what I’ve accomplished!
Join me in the first episode of this 2-part podcast as I share with you a real, raw look at the numerical wins, lows & hard lessons I’ve faced during my year-long radical business experiment!
And DON’T FORGET to check out the Crooked Calligraphy Holiday Shop full of deep discounts on some of our most beloved workbooks & mini courses!! Quantities are limited - so don’t wait to scoop these deals up!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Dani has always had a life-long love affair with fancy pens and inks.
After discovering me through my sweary calligraphy greeting cards on Reddit (crazy right?!?), she began her calligraphy journey in 2018 with my Modern Calligraphy 101 course.
When her mental health started to decline due to fertility issues, she made a promise to herself to focus on the future - going all-in and joining my “Calligraphy Bosses Inner Circle” (which would become the beta version of my “Biz Starter Guide” course!!). I am so happy to share that Dani is now the owner of Rogue Letters & her very own brick-and-mortar calligraphy boutique!
Join me in this week’s episode as Dani and I discuss:
- Why its ok NOT to get everything right in the beginning (even your business name!)
- How everyone's entrepreneurial journey is distinctively different
- Why you should always be open to the possibilities and say yes to opportunities, because you never know where they may lead
I am SO thankful to Dani for opening up and sharing her raw journey, as well as how much my business course helped turn her dreams into her reality!
If you are inspired to invest in yourself and begin your own journey, our Cyber Monday sale is going on right now through Friday, December 1st 2023 at 11:59PM PDT.
Not only are we offering 3 exclusive bonuses with the purchase of the Pro Calligrapher Bundle, but you’ll also get access to the “Biz Starter Guide” course – the same one Dani began her business journey with (and a TON has been added to the course since then to help you start and grow your own business). Click here for all the details about our biggest bonus package ever & to enroll in our courses!!
Follow Dani on Instagram @rogueletters
Dani's Calligraphy Boutique
Dani's Website: Rogueletters.com
Gretchen Rubin's 4 Tendencies
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
I recently hosted a “Launch Your Profitable Product” Bootcamp, and my students had SO many questions about Etsy. So much so that I added an entire unit to my “Biz Starter Course” walking you through how to sell on Etsy.
There are a LOT of strong opinions when it comes to Etsy. And since I have technically sold products on it since 2015, I figured it was time to throw my hat in the ring as well.I know the commerce platform can have its strengths for sellers in ease of setup & not having to worry about logistics. However, there are also a ton of fees associated with selling your goods - and the amount of sellers on the site itself can be overwhelming!In this episode, I discuss the pros & cons of selling on Etsy, including:
- Two different ways to utilize Etsy to its fullest
- How Etsy ‘s education can benefit new sellers
- What kind a seller can benefit MOST from joining this platform
And stay tuned till the end for a special preview of our exclusive Cyber Monday deal & why NOW is the best time to join our community (you won’t wanna miss this!)
Join the waitlist HERE to be the first to know about the Cyber Monday Sale & Get my "40+ Ways To Make Money With Calligraphy" PDF!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
There are two ways to grow revenue
“The calligraphers I see thriving often have a mix of revenue streams.” - Shinah
This episode started when I got an email from someone asking, sincerely and thoughtfully, whether it’s possible to make a living as a calligrapher WITHOUT teaching calligraphy.
So I answered her honestly… I myself make the vast majority of my money from my calligraphy online courses.
But I also wanted to give you some SPECIFIC NUMBERS and clear insight on how to grow revenue in other ways. In this episode, I explain:
- How a calligrapher can make $79K IN ANNUAL REVENUE by tapping into 8 different revenue streams
- How that same calligrapher could also make $70K IN ANNUAL REVENUE focusing solely on luxury weddings
- How there are SO MANY potential ways to make money as a specialty calligrapher
… and YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THE $79K SPREADSHEET right here!
One of the crucial first steps to starting a business is gaining a FIRM BELIEF in the possibility and opportunities open to you. I hope this strengthens your belief, just a little bit. 💕
Links mentioned in this episode:
- 2016 Trade Practices and Pricing Guidelines for Professional Calligraphers by Carla Hagan
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
GROWTH CAN BE INCREDIBLY HARD
“One of the most challenging parts of running a business is that it forces you to confront the parts of you that you’ve been AVOIDING your whole life.” - Shinah
This is a deeply personal episode and warning, I get a unabshedly sniffly for the entire second half.
I share REAL FINANCIAL NUMBERS from my latest course launch and overall year… and why they are scaring the shit out of me right now. And also, why this year is probably the BIGGEST GROWTH year, emotionally and mentally, that I’ve ever been through.
In this week's podcast, I'm walking through:
- Real results from my recent sale of my Calligraphy Business Starter Guide Course
- Lessons you NEED TO KNOW before going into your next launch
- Why this launch was the cherry on top of an incredibly difficult emotional year
I’m sharing this because I hope it makes you feel LESS ALONE.
Growing a business is so so hard… and if you’re willing to allow the hard… you emerge a softer, fuller, immensely more strong human being.
Sending my love and encouragement to you, wherever you are on your business journey. 💕
Interested in starting your own calligraphy business journey? 👇
Register for my FREE "Profitable Calligraphy" WORKSHOP HERE and learn how to take the first steps in your calligraphy journey with my PRO CALLIGRAPHER BUNDLE!!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Let's face it - the real reason most people don't start their own business is because of FEAR.
Those paralyzing "what ifs" in your mind ignite your true fears - fear of the unknown, fear of the judgement from others, fear of failure.... But what if there was a way to overcome those?
Last week. I held my very first "Launch Your Profitable Product" Bootcamp for all my students enrolled in my Biz Starter Guide course. I challenged them to do some HARD things - not just tangibly, but emotionally. When I posed the question to them, "What's been stopping you from starting your business?", the OVERWHELMING majority said fear.
In this week's podcast, I'm playing an excerpt from inside one of my Bootcamp live Q&A's where I share:
- My method for tackling fear head on
- How to be BRAVE in the face of it
- What key question you need to answer BEFORE you start your business journey
I promise, you are NOT alone in how you feel. But there are plenty of AMAZING things that can happen on the other side of that fear.
Interested in starting your own calligraphy journey?? Register for my FREE workshop "Profitable Calligraphy" HERE and learn how to take the first steps in your calligraphy journey with my PRO CALLIGRAPHER BUNDLE!!
Go check out Goli's Podcast Lessons from a Quitter HERE!! Follow me on my Radical Business Journey on Instagram @crookedcalligraphy
“Help, Shinah!! Someone wants to pay me to write their wedding song lyrics in calligraphy… is this allowed, or am I going to get in copyright trouble?!?”
The Short Answer? You might be violating copyright law, buuuuuut you probably won’t get in trouble for this one job.
The Long Answer? It’s complicated. I’ll try and explain it in easy terms (and keep myself from putting on my former lawyer hat too much 🤓)
In this week's episode, I’m nerding out on all things copyright & trademark. I’ll share my hopefully plain-English, not-too-boring explanation of both. We’ll discuss:
- The definition of Copyright & Trademark and the difference between the two
- Which one affects you more as a creator
- The potential copyright and trademark laws you could violate when selling things containing lyrics, quotes, poems, etc.
I’ll also share my own experiences with both & explain exactly how “The Hunger Games” almost shut down one of my first *genius business ideas- selling scarves and cowls on Etsy (let’s just say I’m happy I found calligraphy amidst my piles of yarn and knitting needles😂).*Missed my “Business Starter Guide” course open enrollment & LIVE Bootcamp?? Get on the waitlist now for the next live round HERE and get my free "45 Ways to Make Money with Calligraphy PDF!!
**Disclaimer- I am currently a practicing lawyer with the California Bar. This is NOT personalized legal advice, only my personal experience as a calligrapher and business owner
New “Profitable Calligraphy” 1-Hr WorkshopLearn how to go from Beginner to Side Hustle in just 6 Months!
Register for free: crookedcalligraphy.com/workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
What kind of person do you picture when you hear the word “entrepreneur”??
A lot of us (as I did for most of my life) pictured rich, powerful men full of generational wealth. They were venture capitalists, stock brokers, or heads of giant corporations who drove around one of their many sports cars when they weren’t vacationing on their yacht in the Mediterranean.
The problem with that vision?? It’s COMPLETELY untrue. Entrepreneurs these days come in SO many shapes and forms:
- Moms holding down a side hustle in between shuttling kids to and from sports
- Crafters with a true passion for their products that live a quaint but comfortable life selling their handmade goods full-time
- Immigrants and their children with NO formal business training just making it up as they go along, and successfully building a 6 figure businesses….🙋🏻♀️
In this episode, I’m debunking the MYTH that entrepreneurs are “born” with an innate talent for business. In reality, entrepreneurs are MADE- simply through developing skills and an understanding of the industry. Through building a business’ awareness, marketing, & sales I’ll teach you how to change the narrative and realize that entrepreneurship is merely an exchange of value- and not just for the likes of Steve Jobs.
------- Ready to take the next step on YOUR own business journey?? -------
My “Launch Your Profitable Product” Bootcamp is starting Sunday October 22, 2023! Together, we’ll spend a week building your business from scratch- leaving you ready to launch your own product just in time for the holidays!
Anyone enrolled in my “Biz Starter Guide” can join bootcamp for FREE!!
Not enrolled yet?? No worries! Purchase the “Biz Starter Guide” HERE by Saturday October 21st 2023 at 11:59PM PT to be eligible to join the free bootcamp!
**Current MC101/MC201 students NOT enrolled in the Biz Starter Guide have the option to purchase the course at any time in your course portal page. See final course modules for enrollment info.
New “Profitable Calligraphy” 1-Hr WorkshopLearn how to go from Beginner to Side Hustle in just 6 Months!
Register for free: crookedcalligraphy.com/workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear the word “CUD”??
Probably a cow chewing their cud (at least that’s what I think of). BUT, there is an entirely different definition of “CUD” that can help you jumpstart a profitable creative business (stick with me here!)
In today’s episode, I define how to use the “CUD Method” (clear, unique, doable) to select the best product to sell in your business.
To be successful, your product needs to be ALL 3 of these things:
- C – CLEAR: Easy for customers to understand and see its use in their life
- U – UNIQUE: Something that sets your product apart from the rest in the market
- D – DOABLE:Able to easily be made by you in a timely manner and within cost parameters
I’ll also share with you some of my most successful (and not-so-successful) products to date – as well as some of the best products my students have created to sell!
AND if you’ve been dreaming of launching your own business but keep setting it on the backburner, my “Launch Your Profitable Product” Bootcamp is starting October 22nd 2023!Each day of boot camp, we’ll be taking concrete steps together to choose a product and launch it into the world for sale! By the end of our 7 days together, you will have a fully marketable product set up to sell (just in time for the holidays!). I’ll be walking you through each step of the process, and answering all your questions along the way!
I’m hosting this FREE for anyone currently enrolled in my “Biz Starter Guide” OR anyone who enrolls in the course before October 22nd (SURPRISE!! We’re finally offering the Biz Starter Guide to the public!!! Doors open October 16th, 2023).**Click here to join the waitlist for Bootcamp & Purchase the Biz Starter Guide!!
**Current MC101/MC201 students NOT enrolled in the Biz Starter Guide have the option to purchase the course at any time in your course portal page. See final course modules for enrollment info.
New “Profitable Calligraphy” 1-Hr WorkshopLearn how to go from Beginner to Side Hustle in just 6 Months!
Register for free: crookedcalligraphy.com/workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
How many of you have ever begin an Instagram caption with “I loved creating _______!”
Yeah, we’ve all been there. As creators, making things is what we LOVE to do! YOU’RE always going to love what you’re making… but are other people?
As sellers, we have to remember that we aren’t selling ourselves on our products- you’re selling to an audience. Oftentimes we need to put ourselves in THEIR shoes and say, “What would someone buying my product want to hear?”.
In this episode, I’m breaking down the hobby (“I”) mindset versus the business (“they”) mindset, and how it truly effects your bottom line. We’ll learn:
- How to choose products that appeal to your audience and how to advertise them using the perspective of the seller (and how to know what products should never leave the conception stage)
- The AIDA format and how it can revolutionize how you sell your products and services
- How to shift your OWN perspective andtruly believe that you and your business are serving othersand filling a need or desire they have
These few small shifts can be implemented immediately and have you increasing your revenue stream TODAY!
And if you’re ready to finally buckle down and DO THIS – My “Launch Your Profitable Product” Bootcamp is coming oh-so-soon!
I’ll be hosting a live week-long Zoom course that will have you taking your product from conception to launch in only 7 days! We’ll be covering it ALL - and with my support as well as your fellow classmates, you’ll be up and running your business in time for the holiday season!
Join the waitlist so you can be the FIRST to hear all the launch details!
New “Profitable Calligraphy” 1-Hr WorkshopLearn how to go from Beginner to Side Hustle in just 6 Months!
Register for free: crookedcalligraphy.com/workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
If you have ever tried to price a good for sale that you created, or you have but feel like you can’t quite hit the sweet spot- this episode is for you!
I find SO MANY of my students wondering “How the hell do I price my products??” I totally get it- thumbing through the pages of Etsy researching competitors prices can have you feeling a little, well, lost.
You see those rock bottom prices and think to yourself “How are these people making ANY money off their products?” OR you find yourself unsure if you are ‘good’ enough to charge what you think will actually make you a small profit.
In this week’s episode, I break down for you:
- Why you should NEVER base your products prices off of other people’s prices!
- What you SHOULD actually be basing your prices off of
- How to calculate your product/hourly rate to make sure you’re not JUST breaking even
This episode will hopefully leave you with a solid basis and underlying knowledge of how to price your products competitively.
And if you’re ready to deep-dive into how to price your products and get real interactive help – it’s coming!! I’m putting together an entire pricing program, complete with a live round of “pricing boot camp” that I’ll be unveiling in the coming weeks!
---> Wanna be the first to know all the details?? Register HERE!!!
New “Profitable Calligraphy” 1-Hr WorkshopLearn how to go from Beginner to Side Hustle in just 6 Months!
Register for free: crookedcalligraphy.com/workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
What NOT to do when launching a course.
“Looking back, there are some definite reasons why this launch under-performed.” - Shinah
Today, I’m getting both STRATEGIC and quite VULNERABLE.
I’m looking at my latest launch of my Intermediate Calligraphy Course and analyzing why:
- A pre-launch runway is so important
- Too much content during a launch can be a BAD thing, and
- The #1 thing I’ve been neglecting that would have given me different results
Sometimes, business is just hard. So I’m also sharing a vulnerable truth about this year’s revenue that I hope will help some of you feel not alone.
Mentioned in this episode: The Modern Creative Podcast
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New “Profitable Calligraphy” 1-Hr WorkshopLearn how to go from Beginner to Side Hustle in just 6 Months!
Register for free: crookedcalligraphy.com/workshop
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Getting & Keeping High-Paying Corporate clients
“Working with big brands is a different beast - they have certain standards and expectations when hiring a professional.” - Shinah
This BONUS EPISODE is a snippet from a live training I did recently called “Confident Calligraphy Style (Stop Copying & Start Attracting High-Paying Clients”
….psst… I’m teaching it again live this Saturday, Sept 16, 2023. Register for free here!
I’m sharing the juiciest part of the training, where I talk about “The Dom Perignon Effect”:
- How I became the go-to calligrapher for Dom Perignon’s Los Angeles events
- The 3 Keys to serving corporate clients well - so you feel more equipped to go after those clients and start getting repeat business from them
- The lucrative side-effect of giving corporate clients exactly what they’re looking for - with real numbers from my own past experience!
One thing you absolutely need? Confident calligraphy, with a flexible range of styles (or the ability to create them on the fly… 😎 )
Want A SYSTEM FOR CREATING A UNIQUE SELLABLE calligraphy style?My Modern Calligraphy 201 INTERMEDIATE COURSE is open for enrollment through this Sunday, September 17, 2023!
Building a business in your hometown“You don’t need a huge instagram audience or email list…you can grow a thriving business rooted in the physical PLACE and community you’re in.”- ShinahI have three stories for you today - all students of mine - all building calligraphy businesses very much based in their physical home towns.
And those communities aren’t huge. In fact, two of them are in pretty RURAL areas. Listen in to find out how they’re doing it.
(I also give you the lowdown on the Burning Man Mudpocalypse that I just escaped from - p.s. it was amazing)
Here are the three inspiring business owners I’m telling you about today:
- Dani (@RogueLetters) - Took my calligraphy courses back in 2018, started her calligraphy business in 2019 and has just now opened her very own calligraphy BOUTIQUE in Worcestershire, UK. It’s not something she ever thought would happen for her… but she’s feeling “so happy” about it.
- Amanda (@handletteringwithamanda) - Through business coaching with me, she finally felt empowered to really GO AFTER her calligraphy business… even though she literally lives on a FARM in a rural area. She just set up a lovely outdoor space under a sprawling tree on her property to teach calligraphy workshops and is collaborating with nearby pumpkin patches and coffee shops to expand her biz.
- Stacie (@kotoba.creates) - Lives in Oahu, Hawaii and has always focused on growing her business more locally. She does signage for neighborhood restaurants and just got a laser engraver so she could partner with local shops and create customized gifts.
Your business doesn’t have to be huge and online-famous in order to be fulfilling (and bring in life-changing income.)
I hope this gives you a look at how wide the opportunities are when you finally let yourself believe that it might be possible for you ;)
Want to go beyond basics and develop your own signature calligraphy style?My Modern Calligraphy 201 INTERMEDIATE COURSE is open for enrollment through this Sunday, September 17, 2023!
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
I’m back with the LAST episode in my “Business 101” Series!
So far, I have guided you from the “explore” phase, through the “refining” phase, and now onto the “mastering” phase of building a well-established creative business.
Very few people get to the “mastering” phase- because it doesn’t just require working on your business, but rather yourself. This phase is not for the faint of heart❤️(you WILL have to get your face out there, be comfortable with rejection, and be prepared to make some hard decisions!). Confidence is KEY in this phase!
Even if you don’t think you’ll ever get there, this episode gives you a roadmap to help navigate your business down the road, see the bigger picture, & develop your overall plan for your business going forward!
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Ready to move CONFIDENTLY into your business future, but don’t know where to start??
I’m hosting 2 LIVE webinars unlike any I’ve ever hosted- Tuesday, September 12th 2023 at 5pm PST & Saturday, September 16th 2023 at 11am PST- and they're FREE!!
During my webinar “Confident Calligraphy Style (Stop Copying & Start Attracting High-Paying Clients)” I’ll be teaching you:
- Why style & flexibility is SO key to booking high-paying corporate clients
- Why you need to avoid blind copying
- My 3- step framework for how to build flourishes, compositions & your OWN alphabet!
Want to attend?? Head HERE to register for either Tuesday 9/12/23 or Saturday 9/16/23!
✨This is all leading up to opening the doors to my Modern Calligraphy Style Course, as well as my other Signature Courses & Biz Starter Guide later this month!✨
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
We’re onto phase 2 this week of Business 101- Refining!
So you’ve explored and gotten your business off the ground- bravo!! You’ve found some customers, created a few product offerings, and have the framework established to build your business… now what??
In this week’s episode, we dive into phase 2 of my 3-part Business 101 series- refining! We’ll discuss what it looks and feels like to start honing in on the important tasks and trusting your decision-making capabilities more. I break down your 3 “buckets” and what they should be holding during this phase, including:
- Figuring out what products YOU like best, which PAY you the best, and making sure you aren’t spending so much time running your business that you don’t give yourself time to play as well!
- Making sure you are putting systems in place to streamline operations, track your overall profit, and automate as much as you can so you can spend your time doing the things that matter the MOST.
- Learning how to build a customer base and social media following, and the importance of establishing an email list
Join me as we put on our big girl pants and start to get serious about building a strong foundation for your business so you can start making that money and turning your side hustle into a full time career!
Ready to start building your OWN calligraphy business?? I’m going to be hosting TWO live workshops to teach you how to develop your own unique calligraphy style to set yourself apart and gain clientele. Tune in next week for all the fun details- and to learn how to MASTER your business in phase 3!
Wanna learn calligraphy and how you can turn it into a money-making business??
Watch my FREE workshop HERE
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Have you ever tried to start a business, but became paralyzed at the OVERHWHELMING list of to-do’s??
Trust me, I’ve been there. In the 8 years I’ve spent building Crooked Calligraphy, I’ve realized there are 3 distinct stages of building a business- exploring, refining, and mastering. Join me in this episode as I guide you through the 1st stage- EXPLORING!
In stage 1 (where most of you probably are), you can often feel as if most of your days are spent throwing spaghetti at the wall. You definitely DON’T have it all figured out- but here’s the thing … YOU DON’T HAVE TO!
In part 1 of this 3-part series, I explain how to master the art of dividing your time and efforts into 3 ‘buckets’ to help you get your business off the ground:
- Bucket 1 - Figuring out what your main product or service is going to be and how challenging it will be to bring it to fruition for your customers
- Bucket 2 - Organizing your time, deciding how much of it you can dedicate to this new venture, and tracking how much money you’re ACTUALLY making (compared to the time you’re spending on it)
- Bucket 3 - Learning how to SELL your products/services (by far THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to master!), getting into the ‘customer mindset’, and where & how to find customers!
I also let you in on a few of the things that SHOULDN’T be taking up your time (newsflash- that catchy logo isn’t nearly as important as SELLING your products!).
And don’t forget to join me next week to learn about stages 2 **(PLUS be the first to hear all the details of the launch of my Signature Style & Business Courses in just a few weeks!!).
Wanna learn calligraphy and how you can turn it into a money-making business??
W*atch my FREE workshop HERE*
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Instagram is NOT what it was in 2015- YOU ARE NOT ALONE IN THINKING THAT!
In the 8 years I’ve been using the platform to grow my business, IG has gone from static photo-only posts, to high-quality reels using trending audio, lightning fast transitions, and catchy hooks.
When it comes to growth on Instagram, I’ve experienced it ALL. Stepping back, I have realized that finding a solid, specific goal of what you want to get out of the platform is the BEST way to use Instagram to your advantage- without burning out in the process.
Join me in this episode to discuss:
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Instagram in 2015 vs. 2023 and my timeline of growth
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How creators have changed the way they use the platform and how to use the algorithm to your advantage (because whether we love it or hate it, it’s here to stay!)
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What is working for me and my 2-fold strategy to gain new followers, as well as keep the ones I have
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Simple, concrete content ideas to jump start your Instagram growth and keep up with the trends (I promise I’m not going to tell you to just use trending audio!)
Personally, I feel one way Instagram has changed for the better is allowing small business owners and creatives to connect to each other easily. I am so thankful to hear from other creators and know I am not alone in my struggles. I hope this episode allows some of you to do the same, and inspires you to reach out to others in your field 💕
Link to Inkwell/Vonart Youtube interview cited in the show!
@vonnart @inkwell_illustrations
Wanna learn calligraphy and how you can turn it into a money-making business??
Watch my FREE workshop HERE
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Is my business feeling more joyful these days?
“If you look at the numbers, I’m FAILING hard. But, there are so many ways in which I’m wildly succeeding…” - Shinah
It’s time for a deeply personal and vulnerable evaluation of how I’m doing on my year-long RADICAL BUSINESS EXPERIMENT.
You know, the one where I declared that I would be running my business differently this year? (Less shoulds, more messing about).
Tune in to hear:
- My real revenue this year compared to 2022 and 2021 (it’s kinda mind-blowing)
- The real and relatable reason I’m failing at eliminating “should’s” from my biz
- All the messy launches I’ve tried and why I feel like this year has been such a pivotal success
💕 BUSINESS SUCCESS IS ABOUT SO MUCH MORE THAN MONEY!
I’m here to tell you you’re doing so much better than you think you are.
Get 1-on-1 business mentoring from me: crookedcalligraphy.com/bizcoaching
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
EVER DREAM OF DOING CALLIGRAPHY FOR A LIVING?
“A calligraphy business was not something that crossed my mind at all when I started… I have terrible handwriting. Little did I know, two months later, I would leave my job to pursue calligraphy full-time.” - Shaochen Wu, Monstera Gold
These four women show it’s totally POSSIBLE to do calligraphy as your main profession💪
- Laura of @gertiescalligraphy
- Melissa of @houseofdanaus
- Jane of @theoxfordcalligrapher
- Shaochen of @monstera.gold
In this panel discussion, we talk about:
- How to get started with a calligraphy business
- How to deal with imposter syndrome and low confidence when you have to get up and sell every day
- How each woman has changed as a person since finding calligraphy
Every single one of these students started as absolute calligraphy beginners and had no idea that “Calligrapher” was even a possible career.
💕 All of them are HAPPIER, more fulfilled and more free now.
SO THIS IS ME, SHOWING YOU WHAT IS POSSIBLE!
Free training to learn how to become a professional calligrapher: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
How do you end up running a nationwide calligraphy workshop biz with your bestie?
“We just put this first class together, winging it the whole time… and 60 students showed up.” - Meg Chaloner, Sip & Script Founder
Today I’m talking to the co-founders of Sip & Script! Meg Chaloner and Julie Mancini - who met in 2015 when they were the only calligraphers at a wedding vendor fair in Boston. They hit it off right away and had the idea to host a calligraphy party for addressing Christmas cards that fall. A few planning emails later and they had dozens of students signed up for the very first Sip & Script!
Now, Meg and Julie work with a team of almost 100 calligraphers, from all around the U.S., to host fun pointed-pen calligraphy workshops (cocktails included) across the country.
We chat openly and candidly about:
- How Meg and Julie went from “accidental hobby” to getting legal and legit with their business
- Hiring their first instructor and what it took to train and trust that person to go out teach on their behalf
- The best and worst parts of managing a team of creatives across almost all 50 states
This talk shows that even the most sophisticated businesses start from the beginning - often through natural connections and curiosities… and then grow step-by-step!
LEARN MORE ABOUT SIP & SCRIPT:
- Website: https://sipandscript.com/
- Instagram: @sipandscript
FOLLOW SHINAH:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
If you struggle with practicing calligraphy (or anything else!) consistently…
“You’re not lacking in discipline. What’s stopping you is perfectionism.” - Shinah
I hear from so many people that they WANT to get good at calligraphy… and they know that it takes PRACTICE…. but they just never get around to actually doing it.
Well, spoiler alert: MORE DISCIPLINE IS NOT THE ANSWER!
Today, I’m helping you make practice more ENTICING… so you actually do it!
- My experience using willpower to practice classical piano for 13 years… and what that has turned into today.
- How to adjust your motivations, so they come from LOVE and not fear (aka “perfectionism”).
- Why MASTERY, MINDFULNESS & MATTERING are the keys to actually sticking with any practice.
THE "DAILY CALLIGRAPHY QUICKIE" PRACTICE WORKBOOK
It’s a unique, curated, 20-minutes-a-day workbook that makes calligraphy practice FUN again. And it’s on sale now for just $12.
FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
THE LEGAL STUFF IN BUSINESS CAN SEEM REALLY SCARY.
“There’s a big difference between law in THEORY and law in PRACTICE. Dealing with legal stuff on a human relationship level makes it much less intimidating.” - Shinah
Today, I’m giving you a casual legal education =)
Some of you may know that I used to a corporate lawyer. So I want to break down all the scary “law” stuff in plain terms that you can actually understand.
- What’s the goal of a contract if you DO NOT WANT TO END UP IN COURT?
- How can you guarantee you get paid by a client?
- What do you do if you get a dreaded “Cease & Desist Letter”?
The specific questions I’m answering in this podcast:
- 5:49 - Getting your business legal and permitted
- 8:40 - When do you need a contract, what should you put in it, how do you know if it’s enforceable?
- 14:30 - Can you charge late fees if a client pays an invoice after the deadline? How do you even enforce that?
- 19:23 - A quick overview of COPYRIGHT (I’ll do a much longer episode on this separately)
WANNA START A CALLIGRAPHY BIZ?
Pssst …… This podcast was actually a Facebook Live I did inside my Pro Calligrapher Program - where I help you go from calligraphy beginner to a confident pro with a legit business making you money on the side!
WANT SHINAH AS A BUSINESS MENTOR?
- Limited one-on-one coaching spots are now open
FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN A CLIENT REFUSES TO PAY YOU?
“Looking back, the money was not that big a deal. It was the mental anguish that was the most painful part.” - Shinah
Today, I’m telling the dramatic story of how I worked my butt off as a new calligraphy business owner… and an unscrupulous client took advantage of my naïveté and REFUSED TO PAY ME.
The FOUR CRUCIAL LESSONS I learned from the whole, gut-wrenching experience?
- Always get a CONTRACT signed: Here’s a great CONTRACT TEMPLATE just for CALLIGRAPHERS (and it’s 40% off from 6/29/2023 to 7/5/2023)
- Always get at least 50% PAYMENT in advance
- Put a SYSTEM in place so you can deal with stuff like non-payment with less emotion
- It’s NOT PERSONAL when it comes to business
THE SOLUTION: AFFORDABLE CONTRACT TEMPLATES The Contract Shop gives creative business owners access to quality contracts without having to hire an expensive attorney.
- Each contract template is drafted and reviewed by several attorneys to make sure they’re airtight.
- They’re easy to use; you just plug in the information for your particular client and project and - voila! - you have a thorough, professional contract in place.
- They cost hundreds of dollars, NOT THOUSANDS
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A CONTRACT TEMPLATE JUST FOR CALLIGRAPHERS (40% through July 5, 2023)
Psst...this is an affiliate link, so I get a small commission when you purchase through me.
—————
WANT SHINAH AS A BUSINESS MENTOR?
- Limited one-on-one coaching spots are now open
FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Calligraphy Business Model Options
“Most beginner creative business owners spend all their time trying to increase followers without understanding WHY” - Shinah
Come get an inside peek at the overall STRATEGY I’m thinking through for my calligraphy business. If you’re a new or growing calligraphy business owner, and you’re not sure if you’re spending your time in the right way… this will help you think BIG PICTURE, and take more confident steps towards INCREASING REVENUE:
- The “spaghetti on the wall” Business Model that I started with - and how I moved to a much more streamlined, focused online course sales model
- The TWO OPTIONS you have for increasing revenue:
- The difference between PAID and ORGANIC ways to reach your people
I also give easy to understand descriptions of
- Ascension Models and how they might work for your calligraphy business
- The Customer Journey and how it’ll help you serve your people better, while increasing revenue, and
- Why MOST early business owners are focusing on the WRONG revenue option
—————
WANT SHINAH AS A BUSINESS MENTOR?
- Limited one-on-one coaching spots are now open
FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“I’m THRILLED WITH THE RESULTS, EVEN THOUGH THEY’RE LOWER THAN WE’RE USED TO… AND HERE’S WHY” - Shinah
If you’re interested in the true behind-the-scenes of “big” business results… this episode is for you.
I chat openly and honestly about:
- The RESULTS (in real dollars) of our recent sale of calligraphy courses - the first real launch we’ve done in over a year.
- The big lesson I learned about PRICING and VALUE - yes, you can totally sell a calligraphy course for $1000… if the communicated and perceived value is there.
- The tools I used to set EXPECTATIONS, so that I feel happy and optimistic with this monetary result in my creative business…
- Even though, it’s LOWER than some of the “disappointing” launches we’ve had in the past.
It’s also been FIVE MONTHS since I came back to my calligraphy business, determined to experiment more and do things differently. And I’m sharing how it’s really going (messy) and what is changing for me as a result (a LOT).
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FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS NEEDS TO SEE THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE DOING IT… BEFORE YOU CAN GO FOR IT!” - SHINAHToday, I’m bringing you something different.
FOUR SUPER-RELATABLE STORIES of women who started as calligraphy beginners, and are now Calligraphy Professionals.
All four purchased the Pro Calligrapher Bundle in April 2022 and have already booked their first clients and are actively growing their businesses.
- Sher Pierre - Left-handed school teacher who always had good handwriting, and is now working to turn that passion into a more creative career
- Nikki Davis - Graphic and web designer who started with copperplate, but wanted a more expressive and versatile style. Now, she incorporates calligraphy into her biz, creates fonts, does signage and more
- Stacie Nomura - Special Ed teacher who lives in a small community in Hawaii and is going for her callig biz even though she NEVER thought entrepreneurship was open to her
- Mara Buhrmeister - Has a business degree and does marketing as her day job and is now using networking to get her first calligraphy jobs.
Why do I try my best to share a variety of student stories every time I market my calligraphy courses?
Because your subconscious needs to see that SOMETHING IS POSSIBLE before you can even START to think about going for it yourself!
Having the right info and support can make things possible in your mind that you NEVER thought were possible before. So if you’ve ever dreamed of making money doing a craft you love, you’ve gotta check out:
PRO CALLIGRAPHER BUNDLE OF COURSESGives you everything you need to go from complete calligraphy beginner, to developing a signature style, to SELLING your calligraphy so you can start to bring in some fun side income. 👉 crookedcalligraphy.com/courses
*DOORS CLOSE SUNDAY, JUNE 11, 2023 at 11:59PM ***
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FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“Focus on these two core things, and don’t let the rest of the business details bog you down” - Shinah
In today’s episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to launch your CALLIGRAPHY STARTER BUSINESS.
It’s easier than you think, and will get you crucial learning and skills to continue building.
- First, I bust the MYTH that you have to have everything figured out and polished-up before launching your business is FALSE. Hear more about “up-and-coming” businesses and how they’re a natural and necessary part of the market.
- Second, I explain the two things you need to start selling your calligraphy (and it’s not a website, clever name, fancy logo, or even payment software)
- Third, I uncover the TRUE VALUE underneath it all (both learning calligraphy and starting a business) and why it’s SO MUCH MORE PRECIOUS than the money a business can bring in.
FREE CALLIGRAPHY CHALLENGE BTW, this whole podcast is just a small fraction of what I’m teaching in our free “Newbie to Pro Calligrapher” Challenge.* You can still join in and catch the recordings of all the calligraphy lessons and business LIVE teaching sessions 👉 crookedcalligraphy.com/challenge
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FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“YOU can sell your calligraphy without having an official business - but you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons” - Shinah
If you’ve ever dreamed of selling your calligraphy to make some extra cash, but you don’t want the hassle of a full-on, official business, this super practical episode will help you weigh the pros and cons.
- How the IRS defines hobby v. business for tax purposes
- The PROs and CONs of creating an official business in order to sell your calligraphy
- Understanding the LETTER of the law and the INTENT behind the various tax and legal requirements in order to better understand the actual RISKS when it comes to this decision (hint: they’re not as big as you might be imagining)
- The TWO EASIEST WAYS to start selling your calligraphy from a legal and logistical perspective
I also briefly discuss Seller’s Permits, the simplest way to track expenses and income, and the easiest way to accept payments.
If you want to sell your calligraphy, whether it’s as a hobby or as a business, please know that it’s absolutely possible and DOABLE.
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FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“The goal is not to get a place where everything is zen. But, to reach acceptance that life is hard and that is beautifully ok.”- ShinahIt’s been TWO MONTHS since I came back to my calligraphy business, determined to run it with more freedom and experimentation and joy.
Many of you might have been (rightly) wondering, “But don’t you still have to make money somehow?”
And that, my friends, has been the anxiety spiral that has consumed me for the past two weeks.
Because business is NOT just fun and play… for many creative entrepreneurs, it’s what feeds and supports you and your family.
So this episode is a deeply personal and profound reflection on how HARD it is to worry about money and feel like a failure in business… and the CONCRETE TOOLS I use to help me ride the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship.
- Anti-anxiety techniques - like tapping, deep breathing, taking a short walk, petting my dogs. When I remember to use them, I remember that I do have some CONTROL over the way I feel.
- Perspective-shifting thoughts - like imagining, vividly, how I would feel if I KNEW I had three years left to live. Like remembering my best friend who died at 38 and would be so proud of me and would encourage me to KEEP TRYING and experience everything (even the uncomfortable parts), because that’s why life is so precious.
- A deep sense of acceptance - my current belief is that my infinite soul chose to experience this current human life that I’m living. My soul doesn’t just want the easy and comfortable parts. It wants the hard parts, too. It wants it all… what it means to be ALIVE.
All of this helps me to embrace the roller coaster and trust that, whatever happens, I’ll be alright in the end.
—————
FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
As a creative entrepreneur, what do you do when you launch a product or offering... and the SALES DON'T COME IN??
After 7 years of entrepreneurship, as a professional calligrapher then as a calligraphy teacher, I've run into this situation once or twice... and it just happened AGAIN, with a new training I recently launched.
I share three important lessons that helped me keep going, and eventually makes 12 sales of the training (instead of just giving up, which I was close to doing).
The three, juicy lessons I go over:
- FIRST LESSON: A new product needs an education runway. Potential customers need to hear about something MANY times in order to get familiar with it, understand why they need it, and be ready to purchase.
- SECOND LESSON: Tactical strategies to increase desire for your products - including a review of the FIVE LEVELS OF AWARENESS in customers, and why you need to know them.
- THIRD LESSON: The mindset that you choose to adopt when you don't reach a sales goal is so important to your longevity as an entrepreneur.
Creative entrepreneurship is not easy. If you're struggling, you're not alone. Hopefully, these three lessons and reframes will help you along the way.
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FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
The demand for calligraphy workshops (and people to teach them!) is alive and well.
I’ve heard from SO many of you that you’re itching to host your own workshops- but paralyzed at the laundry list of to do’s that forms even before signing up your first attendee.
I want more of you to feel EMPOWERED to teach your own classes!! So in this week’s episode, I’m breaking down my own experience teaching workshops and how it propelled me into owning a million-dollar business. I’ll tell you:
- WHY you should teach calligraphy workshops
- How ‘good’ you have to be to teach (spoiler alert- the BEST calligraphers aren’t necessarily the best teachers!)
- My tips for how to price your workshops, where to host them (sausage restaurants, anyone??), and how to utilize them to grow your business in more ways than you can imagine!
I’ve packed all this information plus SO much more into my brand new online course “How to Teach Calligraphy Workshops” happening LIVE Wednesday, May 3rd 2023 at 5pm PST.
I’ll be diving more in-depth on these topics, plus all the specifics of how to host your own workshop so you can STOP waiting for the “right time” and START making money!!
Find out more about the course and register HERE!
See you there!
FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“Who do you need to be in order to make a million dollars?”
When you’re starting a creative business, it’s the latter part that’s the real hang up. You’ve found your creative passion, but then you get stuck on the actual business part of it…
I recently offered 12 creative entrepreneurs a free coaching session to help them work through their business hang ups. Through each session, I found a common thread of issues plaguing these owners…
- “Whenever I scroll on Instagram, I get discouraged seeing all these other businesses like mine totally rocking it. Why would anyone pay attention to my awkward and less-than-perfect posts?”
- “I have a GREAT idea, but there’s soooo many details I have to figure out before I even get started.”
- “I have so many ideas, but I don’t know which one to pursue- the one my heart wants, or the one that’s going to actually make me money?”
- “What if people don’t like what I’m offering?? What if I fail??”
Trust me, I have felt alllll these things throughout the past 8 years of growing my business. So how did I push past these issues? Not by changing myself, but by changing my identity. And it's not as hard as you think it might be.
Join me as I dive into what it means to shift your identity, have a “million dollar business mindset”, and how to become a courageous business owner!FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
“If you’re curious if someone can totally disappear from their business for 9 months, and then come back and still sell stuff right out of the gate… here’s your answer...”It’s been a little over a month since I’ve made my official return to social media and my calligraphy business. There’s been a whole lot of good, a little bad, and even some ugly moments during this ‘Radical Biz Experiment’ I launched a mere 6 weeks ago.
In this episode, I break down:
- The content I’ve produced and how it’s affected my overall social media presence (and why I’m actually HAPPY I’ve lost followers).
- The “surprise launch” my team and I pulled off LITERALLY in 3 days (and whether or not I sold anything 🤷🏻♀️).
- How I’m feeling (or at least how I think I’m feeling!)
The truth of the matter? There are days where I feel like I’m on a path towards spiritual enlightenment- and others where I feel like I’m behaving like a spoiled toddler. Perhaps it’s a mix of the two that is fueling my creative energy and excitement.
FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Join me in part 2 of "My Major FUp", where I share one of my BIGGEST fups in my creative business to date 🤦🏻♀️
I posted Crooked Calligraphy's "worst review of all time" that one of our calligraphy students left in our “Student Survey” that we ask all our students to complete at the end of the course. I thought that if I blurred out the reviewer’s name enough to make it unrecognizable, it would be ok to post. Turns out, I was absolutely wrong. **In my haste, I didn't consider the impact all this negativity it would generate- not just in the social media world, but within my TEAM.
3 valuable things I learned from my "experiment":**
- Sometimes when you “f*** around and find out”... there are consequences.
- I need to be really honest with myself about my motivations for my experiments.
- In an attempt to be vulnerable, I was ultimately MARKETING my courses- and hoping the right people would buy. That is not always the best way to go about things.
Running a creative business is HARD- and in a niche business like calligraphy without many precedents, sometimes you have to "make it up as you go". Unfortunately this was NOT one of the times that "making it up" worked in my favor. But ultimately, I learned so much from a crazy 24 hours- and have become a better creative entrepreneur in the process.
Join me and learn what I would do differently next time- and what f*ing up, failing, and being messy has taught me through this experiment❤️
FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Join me for this 2-part saga where I do something new and bold and scary and vulnerable.... and find out I royally f*cked up while doing it and hurt a couple people.
In PART 1 I talk about how I **shared the WORST (but most valuable), 1-Star review our Modern Calligraphy 101 course has ever gotten in 6 years and 4,500 students.
And the three reasons why I did it:**1) To be more TRANSPARENT in my marketing
2) To lead with VULNERABILITY
3) To show my students and audience that we're not perfect, but we are constantly working to get better
Some AMAZING things happened after I posted this scary thing.
And some pretty NEGATIVE things happened as well.
I break it all down and tell you whether I regret doing what I did.
In PART 2, I'll share more about the part that I really f*cked up and what I learned from this whole experience.
FOLLOW:
- Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
SUBSCRIBE:
- Love podcasts? Listen to The Shinah Show wherever you get your podcasts, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
After 8 years of working with a life coach, quitting a lucrative law job to build up a million-dollar calligraphy business, and then taking a huge, risky break from that business…
I think I’ve finally figured out the BEST WAY to make DECISIONS for myself.
…And it’s not “trust your feelings” or “what does your body tell you?”
Because here’s something I’ve learned: a decision that is absolutely right for you can feel absolutely TERRIBLE in your body. And a decision that is wrong for you can feel pretty comfortable.
It’s not the FEELINGS that tell me what’s right and wrong for me. It’s what’s UNDERNEATH the feeling.
I explain with three concrete examples.
- Example #1: Creating my first online course
- Example #2: Deciding to quit my business in 2022
- Example #3: Should you invest in my calligraphy courses?
YOU CAN READ ALLLLLL THE DETAILS ABOUT MY COURSES RIGHT HERE:
👉👉👉 crookedcalligraphy.com/courses
Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Today I answer YOUR questions about the 9 month break that I took from my business, Crooked Calligraphy.
- What did the day-to-day look like?
- What creative projects did I do?
- How was my wedding?
- Was it hard to actually relax and do nothing?
- How did I prepare myself financially?
Listen in for my honest, unscripted answers.
PLUS - I'm opening up my calligraphy courses one last time with personalized feedback! Doors close March 8, 2023 - check it out at crookedcalligraphy.com/courses
Follow along with my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 over on Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
An impromptu start to Season 2 of the Shinah Show.
I'm back from a 9-month break from my calligraphy business... and I want to do things differently this time around. More informal, organic and off-the-cuff.
Tune in to hear more about my Radical Business Experiment of 2023 and how I'm approaching Instagram differently these days.
I also explain why I'm giving myself a 5 out of 10 for how I'm doing so far...
Follow along with my business experiment on Instagram: www.instagram.com/crookedcalligraphy
“I need to take some time to really get clear and think through how I want my life to look, because I don’t want it to look like just another version of that law job that I left.”
- Shinah
I have a big announcement and I’m just going to come right out and say it: the second season of The Shinah Show will be postponed until further notice.
After the finale of Season 1, I’ve done some reevaluating… and have come to the conclusion that I need a little bit of time.
To explain this, I’m going to need to be a little vulnerable with you.
Here’s the thing: just because you decide to become a creative entrepreneur, that doesn’t mean that you immediately leave your old brain, and thought patterns, and beliefs, and sources of value and worthiness behind.
Setting up your LLC is the easy part. Transforming all of that stuff inside? THAT is the real challenge.
That’s where I’m at right now. Working on that transformation and figuring out what I want my life and my business to look like.
And I want to be very honest with you about what that means.
Tune into this episode to learn why I’m putting The Shinah Show on pause, what’s changed for me, and what the future may bring.
Highlights:
00:34 Intro
01:36 Do things your own way
02:28 The real transformation
03:53 My inner work
04:37 My pros & cons
06:10 New anxieties
08:24 Growing pains & sovereignty
10:30 The pause
12:44 Thank you so much!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“Even if you don’t think you’re good at networking… you can do it in a more genuine way, and that is by really sincerely wanting to help.”
- Shinah
This is the final remix episode of 2021 — and this remix is all about how to land your first clients in your creative business, whether this is your side hustle or your dream career.
If you’re ready to start selling, I recommend you grab a pen!
I’ve been a creative entrepreneur for the last six years, and throughout that time I’ve sold calligraphy products and services to individuals and corporations. I’ve done work for intimate weddings and large business events. I’ve sold online and at pop-up markets.
And the clips in this remix contain insights on how to attract all sorts of customers!
You’re going to have to really put yourself out there. And yes, you’re going to have to get used to rejection (especially at first)! But nothing beats the feeling of growing your own creative business — and I KNOW you’ve got this!
If you’re just tuning into the show this month, this is a great opportunity to catch up on some of the topics that I covered during the first season. If you caught the show every week, these remix episodes will remind you of the tips and tricks that you may have forgotten. Either way, subscribe now to never miss an episode as we head into Season 2!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- How to leverage your network to connect with potential clients
- The importance of bringing a little extra something to your pitch
- The most important benefit of selling at craft fairs (and it isn’t the revenue)!
Highlights:
00:34 Intro & overview
02:53 You need to put in the work
05:05 Do a little extra
07:03 The power of networking
10:22 Networking tips
12:05 Be flexible
13:33 Be professional
17:30 Selling at fairs
22:08 Happy holidays & final message!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“To actually launch your creative business… this is a process. It takes small steps. You have to take really tiny steps in order to get anywhere and do anything big.”
- Shinah
Remix month marches on! In the first two remix episodes of 2021, I covered how to identify and overcome the things that hold you back from chasing your dreams. In Remix #3, I dig into some practical tips for launching your own creative business — whether its calligraphy, copywriting, choreography, or crochet!
Remember: building a successful business is not about one massive, earth-shattering leap.
It’s about taking small, simple steps toward your goals.
In this episode, I tackle questions like “How do I know when I’m ready to start selling my work?”, “Can I be a success overnight?”, and “How do I bridge the gap between side hustle and full-time creative entrepreneurship?”
That’s right, we’re talking scarcity mindset, budgeting, building a client base, and dealing with uncertainty!
If you’re ready to get out there and do the damn thing in 2022, you definitely want to hit play!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- When you should take the leap and start selling your creative work
- How my revenue grew as my business scaled (yes, I’m talking NUMBERS)
- Why leaving your job to work on your creative business doesn’t automatically mean that you won’t have any income — and the 3 numbers to figure out before you quit
Highlights:
00:34 Intro & overview
03:23 When to start selling
05:29 What my first successes looked like
07:24 Overnight success isn’t a thing
09:56 Bridge jobs & side hustles
11:42 The 3 numbers
14:10 Sure & safe calligraphy ventures
18:36 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“If you’re looking to make a change in your life or start to build something, it’s okay if you don’t have the exact ‘how’ or if you don’t know the exact way that you’re going to get there.”
- Shinah
December is the month of the remix! As I take some time to recharge for Season 2, I’m releasing a 4-episode remix series with the most impactful insights, stories, and tips from the last 35 episodes!
I want to keep you inspired over the holiday season, so Remix #2 is all about getting over the things that are holding you back from chasing your biggest, baddest, boldest dreams!
You’re going to learn that your happiness doesn’t have a set point… and how to boost it through small, manageable changes.
You’re going to discover how to make your way toward crushing your goal... even when you haven’t yet figured out the steps you need to take.
And you’re going to answer two questions to get you thinking about how to shift your mindset!
If you’re just tuning into the show this month, this is a great opportunity to catch up on some of the topics that I covered during the first season. If you caught the show every week, these remixes will remind you of the tips and tricks that you may have forgotten!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- 3 simple, actionable steps to increasing your level of happiness day-to-day
- How to create a “lighthouse” to guide you along the path to your goals
- Exactly what to do with that negative voice inside your head (the answer may surprise you)!
Highlights:
00:34 Intro & overview
02:22 Can you find more joy in your life?
04:44 Identify your negative voice
07:21 Thank the voice
09:36 Change the voice
11:22 Choose a lighthouse
13:44 Calligraphy launch story
16:54 You don’t need the exact “how”
18:50 Two questions!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“How do you get over all of the doubts and all of the objections and just do the dmn thing?”*
- Shinah
You might be a little surprised to see this episode — yes, last week’s episode WAS the season finale of Season 1 of The Shinah Show. I’ve had such an amazing time creating this first season and am so grateful for all of the subscribers, reviews, five-star ratings, and support that I’ve received over the last few months.
After I finished recording the last episode, I sat down and thought about it a little bit more — and I decided that I didn’t want to leave you hanging for all of December!
I’ll still be taking a bit of time off to recharge and gear up for Season 2, so my team and I have put together four “remix” episodes to help you keep your creative juices flowing through the holiday season.
Each remix episode will feature handpicked insights, stories, and tips plucked from the last 35 episodes. If you’ve missed out on any past episodes, this month will be a great opportunity to hear the best nuggets of advice from Season 1. If you caught the show every week, these remix episodes will remind you of the tips and tricks that you may have forgotten — and help you keep those creative fires burning!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The secret Season 1 theme I uncovered while choosing clips for the remix episodes
- What you can expect from December’s remixes, episode by episode
- How to get over the destructive perfectionism that may be standing between you and achieving your goals
Highlights:
00:34 Intro
01:49 The hidden Season 1 theme
03:11 Remix overviews
04:07 Remix #1 breakdown
05:19 Work out your want muscle
13:59 Inspired perfection v. insecure perfectionism
17:56 Recap & three questions
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“This illusion that we have time… that is what keeps us stuck in the safe place, when really we want to step into the brave place.”
- Shinah
This is the final episode of the first season of The Shinah Show. What better time to share the #1 most important lesson that I’ve learned in my life?
This is a valuable and devastating lesson that I had to learn through lived experience — an experience that I wouldn't wish on anyone — and it’s one that has transformed my life a full 180 degrees.
Without learning this painful yet life-affirming lesson, I would not have been able to create the life that I now live.
I would have remained stuck in a law career that was making me miserable, instead of learning how to embrace bravery and the unknown. I would never have taken the leap into building a fulfilling, creative life doing something I love.
This episode gets a little emotional.
This episode gets a little philosophical.
And I hope that it helps at least one person step outside their comfort zone, take advantage of their full potential, and create something amazing.
This episode is dedicated to my beautiful friend Andrew, with the deepest love and gratitude.
Tune into this season finale episode of The Shinah Show to find out why “now” is the best time to act.
Highlights:
00:33 Intro
02:27 The lesson
03:28 Andrew’s story
06:48 The diagnosis
07:52 Five months
09:07 The inspiration
11:21 Andrew’s dream
13:13 The lessons of 2021
14:58 Make it happen
16:28 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“If new calligraphers are entering the market all the time, and thousands have come in and succeeded in various ways... why can’t you?”
- Shinah
This episode of The Shinah Show was inspired by a real conversation in my Instagram DMs. In it, I debunk one of the biggest myths out there about selling calligraphy services and products.
Through my classes, I’ve helped many people fall in love with the art of calligraphy. And, just as I did when I was learning, many of my students wind up considering the idea of starting their own calligraphy businesses (yay!!).
But I’ve noticed one major fear tends to stop them in their tracks — before they even get started!
It’s the belief that the calligraphy market is “too saturated.”
Yes, there are a lot of great calligraphers out there right now. But I’m telling you right now, there is MORE than enough space for you as well!
If your brain is telling you that there’s no room for you, that you won’t be able to stand out, that there are already too many talented people out there… all that’s doing is stopping you from starting, through fears that aren’t based on any real evidence!
If you never start, you DEFINITELY won’t succeed. Your only chance of living your dream requires taking those first steps!
If you’re truly interested in starting your own calligraphy business, but are afraid that the market is oversaturated, then you need to listen to this episode right now!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- Why your brain likes to f*ck with you when it comes to establishing your pricing — and how to stop falling for its tricks!
- The big questions you need to ask yourself in order to shift your mindset around creative entrepreneurship
- How to recognize sub-markets, identify your niche, and then OWN it!
Highlights:
00:34 Intro
01:19 The Instagram conversation
03:43 The irrationality
04:57 Why competition is a good sign
06:24 Perfection is not required
07:12 Questions to ask yourself
07:50 “Saturation” is not a new idea
09:17 Recognize sub-markets & own your niche
11:34 How many customers do you REALLY need?
13:14 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“You put good things out into the world, true, honest, beautiful things… and you’re not exactly sure what the return will be. And a lot of times, things beyond your wildest imagination can happen!”
- Shinah
What if one single, solitary thank you card could change the course of your ENTIRE business?
Sounds like a creative writing prompt, right?
Well, it happened to me.
If you’ve listened for a while, you know that I started Crooked Calligraphy back in January, 2016. And that my wildest dream was to have a booth at the pop-up maker’s market Unique LA.
Well, I lived that dream. I snagged my booth, built up my inventory, and sold greeting cards, prints, and gift tags. And I had an amazing time. Such an amazing time that I did another Unique LA booth six months later.
I had such a fantastic experience doing those shows that when December rolled around, I sent a holiday/heartfelt thank you card to the woman who founded Unique LA.
… And what happened next was beyond anything I could have anticipated when I sat down to write that simple message of gratitude.
Check out this episode to learn how to write a message of gratitude that resonates — and the magic that can happen when you create that personal connection!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- Why sending thank you cards to other business owners is such a powerful gesture — and how they can help both parties
- How one simple gesture can trigger a snowball effect that offers huge opportunity for your business
- How I wound up working with Moët Hennessy only two years into running my calligraphy business
Highlights:
00:33 Intro
01:45 Been a rough year!
02:59 Line dancing!
04:31 My Unique LA story
09:20 What happened with the card
10:14 Digital creators summit
11:40 Live calligraphy gig & more
13:28 Glenmorangie & Dom Perignon
16:39 Ferragamo & Jo Malone
17:36 Make room for the magic to come in
18:14 Delivering the right message
21:19 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“The more you put yourself out there… the more you’re going to get some negativity back.”
- Shinah
This episode of The Shinah Show is dedicated to all the haters. Yes, really. Because even if it isn’t their intention, their negativity can actually have some pretty amazing benefits!
Here’s the thing: your creativity isn’t for everyone — and it shouldn’t be! The truth is that you will need to repel certain people in order to attract YOUR people.
So if you get a lot of undeserved pushback from people around you when you’re just trying to live your most creative life, don’t worry. That just means that you’re sending out a strong message, and it IS going to reach the people who need to hear it the most!
Oh, and all of the negativity and sh*tty comments that you get from your haters? I’m going to teach you how to turn it into connection GOLD — so let’s get started!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The 2 major reasons that I receive hate mail and why I get that pushback
- A real-life example of how I turned online negativity into a source of new connection
- Why you need to keep in mind that your creativity isn’t for the haters, it’s for YOUR PEOPLE
Highlights:
00:34 Intro
01:54 Not “watching my language”
05:01 Talking about selling
05:50 Calligraphy challenge example
09:38 Turning hate into connection
10:25 Positive email example
12:20 Your work isn’t FOR the haters
13:44 Speak to your people
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“You really can’t go after something unless you have some tiny belief that it’s possible.”
- Shinah
Have you ever joined a $30,000 program? I have. (And no, you didn’t misread that number!).
I know what you’re thinking right now: “Was it worth it?”
The short answer is “Yes.” The long answer? That’s a little more juicy. I definitely had a lot of hesitation and even fear going in. $30,000 is a lot of money! And for the first few months, I really didn’t feel as though I belonged there. (Technically, I didn’t quite meet the revenue requirements to even join!)
But I took the plunge.
And I am SO HAPPY that I did.
Not only did I make incredible connections with the other members of the program, but throughout the year of my membership, I managed to boost my revenue from $200k annually to $900k.
(You didn’t misread those numbers, either.)
But here’s the thing: before I could reap these incredible benefits, I had to make three major mindset shifts. Want to learn more? Hit play!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The 3 important mindset shifts I had to make in order to get the most out of my high-ticket program experience
- How I more than tripled my revenue over the course of the yearlong mastermind
- The magic that can happen when you’re able to embrace some uncomfortable feelings
Highlights:
00:33 Intro
01:46 About the mastermind
03:25 Post-law confusion & growth
04:50 Smallest fish in the pond gets big
06:12 The mental shift
08:14 The belief shift
11:24 The emotional shift
14:19 Recap
15:18 Consider the real ROI
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“When you’re a small fish in a big pond, there’s so much room to grow.”
- Shinah
Are you used to being the smartest person in the room? (Or at least THINKING you are?)
Do you get anxious in situations where you don’t feel like you have all the right answers?
Having pride in your intelligence is one thing, but when you place too much emphasis on being smart, you can fall into a self-limiting trap!
Growing up, I always thought of myself as The Smart One.
And while that gave me confidence in certain situations, it also held me back in a lot of ways that I’ve only just begun to clue into!
In this week’s episode of The Shinah Show, I lay out three different curses that can befall us when we are TOO focused on intelligence as our defining feature. (This is an especially important episode for anyone who identifies as a former “gifted” kid!)
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The three curses that come with being smart (yes, of course there is a catch!)
- Why you need to let go of the belief that you must always have all the right answers!
- How to value the many amazing types of intelligence in the world that differ from your own
Highlights:
00:33 Intro
01:31 Early pride in my intelligence
02:52 Family life
03:58 Realigning my values
04:50 You don’t need the right answers
07:14 Be open to learning!
09:35 Expand what ‘smart’ means
12:25 Different types of ‘smart’
13:49 Don’t be afraid!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“The point of this isn’t actually to bring in a lot of money… the point is to get your name out there!”
- Shinah
We’re entering into the holiday season, and you know what that means! It’s time for craft fairs and holiday markets! For creative entrepreneurs, this can be a very lucrative period of the year, and a time where they get the opportunity to meet and make connections with new (and potential future) customers.
If you’re just starting out on your creative entrepreneurial journey and aren’t sure how to best tackle the craft fair season, don’t worry.
I’m here with practical, tactical advice to help you make the most of this time — and these tips work for all types of crafting, not just calligraphy!
I actually owe a lot of my own success to participating in a pop-up market during the first year of my business.
In this episode, I’m going to share some of the lessons that I learned from my pop-up experience, and break them down into digestible, actionable steps — everything from how to set up your table and display to how to price your goods!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- How I used my first pop-up market experience to create concrete deadlines and an ambitious goal during my start-up stage
- The most effective way to display your stuff — and how much inventory to bring
- What to consider when setting your pricing — and how to prepare to take payments
Highlights:
00:33 Intro
02:21 Prepping for Unique LA
06:07 My pop-up market experience
07:24 Time commitment v. sales
08:56 Setting up your space
10:51 Vertical space + signage
12:30 Be prepared to edit
13:53 Choice overload
15:00 How much inventory to bring
17:13 Pricing
18:48 Sales tax + payment methods
19:54 Customization
21:39 Do a live show
23:59 Build your list
24:49 Beyond sales
28:15 It’s possible!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“If she took one step off that pedestal of perfection, she’d fall right down… out of the light, and warmth, and praise.”
- Shinah
This is an episode of The Shinah Show that almost never was.
I definitely struggled a little bit with whether or not to tell the story that I share in this episode. Not because I was embarrassed or ashamed of it, or thought it wouldn’t be useful. But because I didn’t know if I wanted to be this vulnerable.
But turning 40 has given me a new outlook and perspective, and I really think it’s important to talk about it.
If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that I’ve struggled with perfectionism since my childhood, and it’s led to a lot of anxiety and negative self talk. Maybe this is something that you deal with, too.
So, in this episode, I want to share a short story that I wrote about a little girl who tried her very hardest to always do the right thing and always have the right answers — and why this approach caused her so much harm.
Making the choice to abandon the quest for perfection?
It’s very simple.
It’s very hard.
And it’s very rewarding.
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The psychological harms that are caused by perfectionism
- Why it’s so important to shift your mindset around always being the best
- Why it’s up to YOU to take control of your narrative and create a more joyful approach to life
Highlights:
00:32 Intro
01:05 Perfectionism
02:06 The power of writing
03:27 Story
06:12 You can make the change
07:25 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“When you are forced to kind of pause everything in your life… it gave me a lot of time to just reflect on what I was doing with my life and where my priorities were.”
- Mélissa Lehoux
My guest for this episode, Mélissa Lehoux, has one of the most incredible calligraphy stories I’ve ever heard — and her story is proof that calligraphy is for absolutely everyone.
In the summer of 2018, Mélissa was diagnosed with aggressive Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that causes her immune system to attack her central nervous system, leading to nerve damage, numbness, tremors, and loss of motor control.
She picked up her first calligraphy pen in March of 2020… and launched her calligraphy business just 3 months later.
And let me tell you — she is making it WORK. And giving back while she does it.
Through her business, Chronic Letters, Mélissa offers clients her own style of beautiful calligraphy… and every purchase supports the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
In this interview, Mélissa shares some inspiring insights into the power of calligraphy to spark creativity, how she created business-savvy connections with other creatives in her city, and how discovering her love for calligraphy has helped her with her diagnosis.
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- How to put yourself out there and carve out a space for your own unique calligraphy style
- Mélissa’s business tips for new creative entrepreneurs who are ready to take the plunge
- How calligraphy can actually be medically beneficial when it comes to certain conditions (yes, really!)
About Mélissa Lehoux: Mélissa is an artist, calligrapher, and mom from Ottawa, Canada, trying to maneuver life’s multiple facets… with a chronic illness tagging along. She was diagnosed with aggressive Multiple Sclerosis in 2018 and her journey to acceptance led her to her passion for calligraphy.
Highlights:
00:33 Intro
02:18 Meet Mélissa from Chronic Letters!
03:32 Her MS diagnosis
05:18 Embracing the shake
06:53 Medical benefits
08:52 The invisible, uncertain disease
10:14 Learning to go for it
12:47 Chronic Letters
15:27 Creative entrepreneur advice
17:46 Putting yourself out there (& distinguishing yourself)
20:00 Is the market too saturated?
20:51 Networking with your local connections
23:04 What’s next for Chronic Letters?
24:30 How Mélissa learned so quickly!
27:15 Final takeaways & find Mélissa
30:15 Recap
Links:
Chronic Letters: lifewithasideofchronic.com
Instagram: @chronicletters
Free resource for anyone looking to start their calligraphy business: chronicletters.com/chronic-letters-business
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episod
“I actually think of calligraphy not as handwriting, but more as drawing.”
- Shinah
It’s time to bust some calligraphy myths!
I know there are a lot of people out there, right now, who LOVE to follow calligraphers on Instagram and dream about having the skill to create beautiful invitations, greeting cards, or shop signs — but are afraid to pick up a pen themselves because they’ve heard and believed a misleading myth about calligraphy.
I know this, because they reach out to me via email, DMs, and in person to explain that they’re curious to try it, but feel like they’ll be a failure because of [INSERT MYTH HERE].
I’m going to tell you right now: don’t believe what you’ve heard!
These myths have no bearing on how quickly or successfully you’ll pick up the skill.
For example, you definitely do not need to have great handwriting in order to write beautiful calligraphy — they’re two completely different skills! Full disclosure: my handwriting is not great. So please don’t let this myth hold you back from picking up a pointed pen and following your dream.
In this episode, I bust five of the biggest myths that keep people from trying calligraphy. So if you’re curious but have been hesitating… then this episode is for you!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- Why you shouldn’t be intimidated by calligraphy’s long history and stodgy background
- You do NOT have to be right-handed to become a skilled calligrapher!
- Why calligraphy is not cursive writing — and how it’s actually closer to illustration!
Highlights:
00:32 Intro
01:39 Good handwriting not required!
04:58 Calligraphy isn’t old-fashioned
07:16 It takes less time than you think!
10:21 Modern Calligraphy 101
11:00 Southpaws welcome!
14:54 Calligraphy is in demand
18:23 Your brain will hold you back
20:17 Believe in yourself
Links:
Modern Calligraphy 101: https://moderncalligraphy101.com
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“I want to learn how to be happier with exactly what I have.”
- Shinah
I have a bit of an update for you this week. I was hit by a pick-up truck while cycling on vacation recently — yes, I was wearing a helmet. Yes, physically, I’m okay.
This episode isn’t about my physical injuries.
It’s about the emotional impact of major events. (And yes, there are valuable lessons in this episode!)
The years of 2020 and 2021 have been anything but uneventful. And almost 2 years worth of crisis after crisis, ongoing stress, and massive uncertainty… that leaves an emotional mark.
The impact of these years, the passing of my 40th birthday, topped off with the emotional aftermath of my accident... I’m not ashamed to say that it led me to a total emotional meltdown.
I had zero motivation to do anything. Especially not for my business.
I needed to hit pause and process everything.
I stopped showing up on Instagram. I stopped working on building my business. I let my team take the reins and I just let myself take a break. And I’m here to tell you — when you’ve spent your whole life focused on productivity, taking that time off is HARD.
But it’s also SO necessary, sometimes.
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The 3 most important lessons I learned from allowing myself to just rest
- Why you should wait until after you’ve recovered from burnout before making big decisions
- Why it’s important to step back occasionally as a leader — and what you (and your team) will gain
Highlights:
00:33 Intro & update
03:10 Impacts of 2020 & 2021
04:19 The meltdown & pause
05:40 The business break
07:55 Learn how to be happier
10:07 Don’t burn it all down!
11:36 Treat yourself better
12:37 Stepping back as a leader
14:10 No one right way
16:24 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“There’s definitely a learning curve with pointed pen calligraphy… and that doesn’t mean that you’re not talented or artistic enough or creative enough!”
- Shinah
It’s that time of year again — time for my 5-day, Pointed Pen Calligraphy Basics Challenge!
In this challenge, you get the low-down on exactly what tools to buy plus a FREE calligraphy lesson every day to get you comfortable with the basics. You also get access to a super-secret pop-up Facebook group where you can meet your fellow students and access resources. It’s like a party with pens, and it’s a LOT of fun!
I only offer this twice a year, so you won’t want to miss out!
I’m so sure that you’re going to love this challenge that I want to give you a taste of what to expect. In this episode of The Shinah Show, I share a few juicy little snippets from the live chats that I’ve done with participants of past challenges.
These chats aren’t just about how to form your letters or hold your pen (although we definitely cover those, too).
You’ll hear about the challenges I faced when I first started doing calligraphy.
You’ll learn what being a parent and learning calligraphy have in common.
And you’ll discover how you might be sabotaging your own efforts (and how to strengthen your skills instead)!
Check out the episode and then sign up for the challenge!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to learn:
- Why you need to be patient and kind to yourself when you first start a new skill (especially calligraphy)
- Effective and ineffective ways of practicing your letters
- My own personal calligraphy journey (and why I love it SO much more than law)!
Highlights:
00:00 Pointed Pen Calligraphy Basics Challenge
01:56 Intro
03:42 Leaving law
06:23 My calligraphy journey
09:15 Practice makes permanent
13:02 How calligraphy progresses
17:46 Recap
Links:
Pointed Pen Calligraphy Basics Challenge: www.crookedcalligraphy.com/basics
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“It’s not about the how; it’s about having the belief in yourself to stick to it, keep practicing, celebrate your small victories and pick yourself up from the failures.”
- Shinah
So many creatives in the world share the same fears, questions, and doubts.
And in this episode, I explore them through the story of another calligraphy creative — and share the advice that will help you push past your fears!
You’ll always be able to come up with reasons to hold off on chasing your dreams. It’s up to you to choose whether you’re going to let the fear take the wheel... or move through it.
It can be easy to fall into the trap of asking yourself if things are a “waste” of time or effort. It’s important to remember if you’re doing something you LOVE, it’s never a waste — you learn and grow from every experience that you have!
The last year has been a scary time. The pandemic pushed doubts and fears to the forefront of people’s minds — but it had a silver lining. During a period when the whole world slowed down, smart creatives took the time to make a valuable investment in themselves.
Taking the time to work on your craft and build your foundation is a great way to grow not only your skills — but your confidence, too.
And with the demand for creatives back and stronger than ever, you won’t want to waste a single minute!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The common fears, questions and doubts that so many creatives share
- The difference between letting your fears guide your life’s path — or pushing through them to follow your passion
- Why right now is an amazing time to get started on your creative journey!
Highlights:
00:45 Introduction
01:27 T’s email
02:30 My response
03:20 Addressing the question of “waste”
04:10 Have faith in yourself
04:45 Follow your passion
05:35 Challenge your doubts & fears
07:40 NOW is the time for creative action!
08:44 Rational, non-fear-based approach
09:56 Follow-up with T
11:04 Success (even in a pandemic!)
12:09 Free 5-day Pointed Pen Calligraphy Challenge
Links:
FREE Pointed Pen Calligraphy Challenge: https://www.crookedcalligraphy.com/basics
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“Growing up, I did not have an entrepreneurial bone in my body!”
- Shinah
If you want to start SELLING your creative work, but you’re telling yourself you CAN’T because you’re not a “natural entrepreneur”...
Stop believing that BS excuse! Your ability to thrive as a creative entrepreneur isn’t dependent on how many chocolate bars you sold door-to-door in the sixth grade!
Because I SUCKED at selling things when I was a little girl. I followed the rules. I was afraid to talk to strangers. I had no idea how to make money.
And yet… now I’m running a calligraphy business that brings in over one million dollars a year.
The truth is that the skills and knowledge that you need to become successful at selling your creative work can be developed. There are as many different types of entrepreneurs as there are, well, entrepreneurs. And they ALL have the potential to achieve their goals.
In this weeks’ episode of The Shinah Show, I bust the #1 myth that holds people back from launching their own businesses — and encourage you to discover your own “entrepreneur box”!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- Why the myth of the magical unicorn entrepreneur deserves to be busted
- How to discover your own “entrepreneur box” — and build up your strengths
- How to ditch the comparison habit and lose the excuses your brain uses to hold you back
Highlights:
01:22 Introduction
02:45 My early years
05:37 The myth of unicorn-entrepreneurs
07:42 My entrepreneur box
10:29 Types of entrepreneurs
12:13 Lose the excuse!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“Be really careful about where you give your fcks.”*
- Shinah
This episode is being released the week that I am turning the big 4-0. I’ve spent a lot of time over the past couple of weeks thinking about the message that I want to share with my audience during this major milestone.
I wanted to share the kind of message that would have made a younger version of Shinah feel a little bit stronger, more self aware, and more confident.
Because I definitely want my audience to feel all of those things!
The message I landed on was actually inspired by a conversation I had with my life coach of over six years. It’s something that she was told by a super-successful business owner when she asked him about the secret sauce that led to his massive success.
That secret? “It’s about caring less.”
Caring less. What does that mean? What does that look like in the context of building a creative business? What does it mean on a personal, emotional level? How do you avoid getting caught up in the little details that can slow you down from achieving your REAL goals?
We’re going to get into it — it all starts when you hit play!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The questions that you need to stop overanalyzing when you’re launching your creative business — and what to ask instead
- How to determine where and for whom to give your attention and energy
- The importance of setting clear expectations, training, tools, and boundaries for your employees
Highlights:
01:21 The big 40
02:11 The secret to success
04:04 Stop overanalyzing - example #1
07:23 Stop overanalyzing - example #2
08:08 Stop overanalyzing - example #3
09:43 Stop overanalyzing - example #4
12:17 Decide where to give your f*cks
13:02 Controlling other people’s feelings
16:47 Employees
17:22 What you CAN control
19:14 Capture the 40s attitude at any age
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“It is hard to start a creative business. And yet, it is SO doable and so fulfilling.”
- Shinah
This episode of The Shinah Show is just a little bit different! This week, I answer questions from the audience — that’s right, it’s a Q&A episode where I share the creative business secrets that y’all have been so curious about!
I put out the call for questions on my Instagram (@crookedcalligraphy) and the response did not disappoint!
Hit play on this episode to hear my answers to questions including:
“How did you know when you were ready to start selling your work?”
“How can I grow my business on Instagram?”
“How do I get clients?”
“What systems are important to set up first?”
“How do you figure out pricing?”
“Are there any sure and safe calligraphy ventures to get started with?”
Since you all were so honest in your questions, I’m going to be just as candid with my answers — you’re going to learn my real opinions on pricing, operations, and getting the clients you deserve, so let’s get started!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- How to make your photographs on Instagram pop just a little bit more, to help you stand out from your competitors
- What you must do in order to get the number of paying clients you truly desire
- Two systems you absolutely should set up as soon as you start your business
Highlights:
01:20 Thank you / Q&A
02:58 Ready to start selling
05:13 Growing on Instagram
08:09 Shift focus to the audience
10:10 Getting clients
14:31 Setting up your systems
16:29 Setting up your pricing
17:48 Where to even start!
22:30 Take your first step
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“Sometimes it’s moments like that — you being at your worst — that really is the clearest picture and irrefutable evidence that something needs to change.”
- Shinah
I had to take a deep breath before hitting record on this episode, because I knew things would get a little vulnerable. In the last couple of episodes, I talked about figuring out how to make a change work for you. In this episode, I’m going to talk about how to know WHEN you should make a change.
If you’ve been following my content for a while, you know that I used to be a corporate lawyer. I left that career six years in, because it was making me miserable. But I’ve never really gone into detail about how I knew that it was time for me to leave.
I’m going to say right now, it’s not a story I’m proud of.
But it does illustrate a lot of the stuff that may be coming up for you, as you start to consider making a big change in your own life.
So, if you’re stuck in the same mindset that I was in, at the time my story took place — don’t worry. Things CAN get better… and I’m going to tell you how!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- How to recognize the negative emotions that come up when your current choices aren’t serving you
- My personal story of how I knew it was time for me to make a major change
- How to investigate your own bad behavior — and what you can learn from it
Highlights:
00:33 Introduction
01:20 How I knew it was time for a change
06:17 My anger
07:12 The aftermath
08:27 It CAN get better
09:47 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“I didn’t get here just by succeeding all the time and doing everything right.”
- Shinah
“Failure is necessary to success.” We’ve all heard that saying. But what does it really mean?
While business owners (and people in general) love to talk about their triumphs, hearing about “failures” is a lot less common.
But just because they’re not talked about, doesn’t mean that they haven’t happened.
Before I started my calligraphy business, I tried my hand at a few different things, including a knitting business. As you can probably guess, the knitting business didn’t exactly work out the way that I’d planned — if it had, I’d be the owner of Fuzzy Cloud Designs instead of Crooked Calligraphy.
Instead, I’m not even sure I made back the investment I’d made in my wool!
But even though that business didn’t work out, it was a valuable experience. Because I learned so much from it. Just as I learned from the mistakes and “failures” that came up while I was building up my calligraphy business.
The lessons that we learn through falling short of our goals? THAT is what makes “failure” so necessary to success.
In this episode of The Shinah Show, you’ll get to learn from mine!
Tune into this episode to find out:
- The biggest money-losing mistakes I made in the early days of Crooked Calligraphy
- How to perform more effective market research
- 3 money-saving tips for protecting yourself and your business
Highlights:
00:35 Introduction
01:35 The first failure
02:50 The second failure
04:28 Crooked Calligraphy failures
08:24 The value of failure
09:54 The interior design lesson
11:14 Market research tips
12:06 3 tips for protecting your money
13:30 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“The ‘how’ is not that important… you don’t need to know it.”
- Shinah
Are you thinking about making a change in your life? Maybe starting your creative side hustle? Maybe exploring a way of working that offers better balance?
Is it making you a little bit stressed?
I get it. When we think about making a change, even if it’s for the better, we tend to get anxious. You’re probably wondering what your first steps should be, what other people will think, and most of all:
How are you going to make it work?
In this episode, you’re going to learn why that particular question isn’t actually that important!
In fact, being given an exact step-by-step guide can actually wind up damaging your chances of success.
That sounds bizarre, right? But it’s absolutely true.
Hit play to learn how to choose your destination — and condition your business muscles along the way!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- Why you need a lighthouse, rather than a detailed map, when it comes to reaching your goals
- The helpful tip my life coach gave me at the start of my journey — and how it helped me on my way
- Why the “how” is completely unique to each and every person
Highlights:
00:33 Introduction
02:14 “Tell me the how”
03:12 The how doesn’t matter
07:35 Choose your lighthouse
09:54 My own lighthouse
13:08 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“It takes small things, done consistently and done with a purpose.”
- Shinah
It’s been a hell of a year, right? While the United States is just starting to inch its way back to normal, the truth is that we have NO IDEA what the future holds for us at this point.
This episode is all about how to get closer to happiness right now.
Not six months from now. Not after you’ve finished your To-Do list. Not after you’ve reached your next goal.
Happier right now, as you are.
You don’t have to make a huge, drastic shift like quitting your job and becoming a full-time creative in order to change your life for the better and create more joy. You can take steps towards happiness right at this very moment.
The three steps I share in this episode are SO deceptively simple, but will have a huge impact.
They definitely changed MY life.
I would love for you to come out of this pandemic period with a greater capacity for joy and more compassion for yourself. And you can get started by pressing play.
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- Why it took way more than just quitting my law career to unlock my true happiness potential
- The lessons I learned about how to open up to the idea of more happiness — and start to grow it
- 3 steps to take right now to boost your happiness level going forward
Highlights:
00:32 Getting back to normal
04:02 More about my story
07:20 The 2010 lesson
09:01 The 2011 lesson
12:14 The negative voice
14:36 Acknowledgement
16:52 Change the narrative
18:38 Recap
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“Sometimes, your brain just really needs to have some hard numbers to calm down a little bit.”
- Shinah
In last week’s episode, I talked about one major mindset hurdle that would-be creative entrepreneurs deal with — the “what will people think??” objection. This week, I want to talk about another major mindset hurdle that comes up when people want to transition into a more fulfilling creative career.
“What about the money?”
This is an objection that comes up frequently, no matter whether we’re talking side hustles or full-time creative endeavors. It was definitely a concern of mine when I was thinking about leaving my job in corporate law to become a full-time creative entrepreneur.
So, let’s talk REAL numbers.
In this episode, I break down my business finances during my own bridging period, around the time that I quit law and was working on building up a full-time creative business. Of course, everyone’s financial situation is different, and you shouldn’t use my numbers as a guideline for your own, but I want to give you an idea of what my own journey was like and remove a bit of the mystery surrounding creative entrepreneurship.
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
Where I was financially when I began exploring the possibility of launching a creative business (school debt and all)!
How I managed my first big revenue bump with Crooked Calligraphy.
How I supplemented my income before I could sustain myself with my business alone.
Highlights:
00:32 Intro.
01:05 “What about the money?”
02:18 Disclaimer.
02:57 Quitting my law job.
05:11 Interim projects & seasonal work.
08:39 Launching Crooked Calligraphy.
09:57 My major revenue jumps.
11:26 3 big takeaways.
13:10 My #1 tip.
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“For me, ‘better’ is more fulfilled, more passion- and purpose-driven.”
- Shinah
This week’s episode is for anyone who dreams about pursuing something creative… but are held back by one persistent thought.
“But what would my parents think??”
Believe me, I get it. When I was working as a corporate lawyer, I was miserable. I hated going to work. I thought about quitting for a long time. But one of the biggest obstacles holding me back from leaving my position was worrying about my parents’ reaction.
My parents worked so hard to move to the United States so that my sister and I could get amazing educations and find stable, professional jobs. Me giving it all up to become a professional calligrapher was NOT in their game plan, trust me.
I felt like I would be a huge disappointment if I threw away my law career. So I stayed longer than I wanted to. Even though I hated it.
Maybe you’re in the same position. I’m here to tell you — you don’t have to be. This episode is all about learning how to reframe these feelings, uncovering the psychological and sociological reasons behind motivation, and figuring out how to let go of other people’s expectations and love what lights you up!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
The importance of defining ‘success’ and ‘abundance’ for yourself, rather than letting others define it for you.
The theory of ‘spiral dynamics’ and how it relates to choosing your own path.
Why ‘disappointment’ is often another emotion in disguise.
Highlights:
01:02 My family history & leaving law.
02:23 The reframe.
03:32 Spiral dynamics.
09:34 We want to spiral up.
10:41 Dealing with worry.
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“I had always wanted to be a small business owner. I didn’t really know what that looked like, though.”
- Shaochen Wu.
How do you build a successful passion business from scratch?
My guest, Shaochen Wu, is a former tech consultant who worked in a very logic-heavy, left-brained job in Silicon Valley before transitioning to become a wedding calligrapher.
While Shaochen had always dreamed about running her own small business, nothing ever quite seemed to fit… until she discovered calligraphy.
“I had always loved pretty lettering and calligraphy but I didn’t think I could do it, because I actually have really awful handwriting,” Shaochen says. But she signed up for classes anyway. Like me, Shaochen had a long history of signing up for different creative arts… and then eventually drifting away from them.
But calligraphy stuck for her.
“The reason I kind of stuck with it was because it was just such a mindfulness practice for me,” she explains. “Especially being in a stressful job. It was just one of the few ways I found that I could really take my mind off things and really clear my mind.”
Calligraphy made sense as a small business because of the low initial investment. All Shaochen had to do was work on honing her skills and developing her style!
Want to learn how Shaochen took those first steps from falling in love with calligraphy to building an incredible business based on it? Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
How business owners can learn and grow when faced with fish-out-of-water moments.
The basics of building a beginner portfolio — and what you need to include.
How to turn your calligraphy skills into actual products you can sell.
About Shaochen Wu: Shaochen Wu is a tech leader turned full-time calligrapher and small business owner. She worked as a consultant to Fortune 500 companies, then led Customer Success teams at Fortune 500 companies and startups in Silicon Valley before transitioning into wedding calligraphy.
Highlights:
01:12 All about Shaochen Wu
02:29 Why calligraphy?
04:34 From fun hobby to creative business
05:38 Personal style & confidence
06:56 First calligraphy clients
08:46 Building a portfolio
10:54 Developing & marketing your products
16:18 Growing & niching down
17:58 Revenue numbers
23:35 Modern Calligraphy 201
26:29 Shaochen’s advice & courses
Links:
https://www.monsteragold.com
https://www.calligraphyceo.com/course
IG: @monstera.gold
Pinterest: pinterest.ca/monsteragold
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“Create your own signature calligraphy style without copying other people and without it looking really random.”
- Shinah.
I’m switching it up a little bit for this week’s episode — get ready to discover your signature style!
This episode is going to give you a taste of my free, 5-day Style Challenge sessions. Each session comes complete with bite-sized lessons, insights, and fun and practical assignments that will help you develop and perfect your unique, signature style.
You don’t want your calligraphy to look like anyone else’s — these sessions will help you create a polished, personal style that demands attention, whether you’re working with clients or just creating art for yourself or your loved ones.
The clips in this episode take you on a journey from first creative steps to finding your own style. You’ll learn how I leapt from being miserable working one of the most boring jobs possible (corporate lawyer) to LOVING my life as a calligraphy teacher and creative entrepreneur. You’ll discover the diverse ways that you can make money through honing your calligraphy skills. And you’ll find out how to keep things fresh (so you don’t wind up tossing your pens into the back of your desk drawer and never thinking of them again)!
Ready to learn? Press play now!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
How mastering a variety of styles can help you boost your confidence as a calligrapher.
Why style is SO important to professional calligraphers... and to their clients.
How to keep your creative juices flowing & your creative endeavors fun!
Highlights:
00:35 What to expect from my Style Challenge.
01:30 What to expect from this episode.
02:53 How to watch & take the challenge!
03:48 Clip: my calligraphy business journey.
08:10 Clip: from Etsy to corporate clients.
13:41 Clip: style and why it matters.
17:19 Outro & join the challenge!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Style Challenge: www.crookedcalligraphy.com/style
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“You can really understand your tendency... and then use it to get what you want!”
- Shinah
Do you have trouble “sticking” to an art, craft, or other creative thing?
Have you gone through countless different creative outlets without ever really developing a real practice?
Do you have what I like to call a “guilty craft closet” in your home?
Then this is the episode for you!
Before finding calligraphy, I tried a TON of creative things... woodworking, watercolors, you name it. And none of them lasted for more than a month or two.
The influential self-help writer Gretchen Rubin has actually done a lot of work figuring out WHY people have so much trouble establishing solid habits and how to address their issues — and it all comes down to personality types. Her 4 Tendencies framework divides people up into four categories: Upholders, Questioners, Obligers, and Rebels.
Since I figured out my own personality type, I’ve been able to strengthen my habits... and work WITH my personality instead of against it.
Are you ready to hack your habit-making and create some more consistency in your life?
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The four different personality types according to writer Gretchen Rubin — and how they relate to your ability to stick with a creative practice
- Why embracing your tendency is super helpful in terms of creating habits
- How I pushed through my fear and resistance and became a calligraphy teacher
Highlights:
- 00:36 Trouble “sticking” with a creative practice?
- 01:14 The 4 tendencies
- 06:03 Embracing your tendency
- 07:25 Setting habits as an Obliger
- 09:15 My calligraphy-teaching story
- 10:47 Every tendency is valid!
- 11:16 Try my free workshop!
Links:
The Four Tendencies: The Indispensable Personality Profiles That Reveal How to Make Your Life Better (And Other People's Lives Better, Too) by Gretchen Rubin
https://gretchenrubin.com/the-four-tendencies
The ‘Find Your Calligraphy Style’ Challenge!
https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/style
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“I would have kicked myself forever if I had done that — to give up the opportunity to work with Dom Pérignon.”
- Shinah
This episode of the show is going to be a little different and a little more tactical than the other episodes. If you’re interested in getting corporate clients for your own creative business, you’ll definitely want to hit play right now.
Because I am going to walk you through how I landed Dom Pérignon as a client for my calligraphy business.
(Yes, THAT Dom Pérignon.)
What do you do when the client of your dreams falls into your lap… but the results that they’re after are COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from your own creative style? That’s the dilemma I faced with the champagne giant, who were looking for a specific type of calligraphy that I didn’t typically do — a classic, traditional style that was wildly different from my modern, expressive style.
I had a choice to make: take the safe route and turn them down completely… or break out of my comfort zone and take a chance.
I knew that I couldn’t deliver exactly what they wanted. But I managed to come up with a perfect response that led to a win/win situation for both myself and the client.
This episode explores not only how I managed to land the client, but the steps that YOU can take to position yourself as a professional, expert creative… and land your own big-name clients if you want them!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- How I crafted the response to Dom Pérignon that landed me regular work with Moët’s multiple brands
- The foundational steps you need to take in order to create amazing, big client opportunities for yourself
- The top traits that corporate clients look for in creative vendors — and how to exceed their expectations
Highlights:
- 01:17 Free ‘Find Your Calligraphy Style’ Challenge
- 01:40 The fateful email
- 02:31 The big dilemma
- 03:36 How I responded... & where it led
- 06:05 The power of networking
- 07:58 How to make an impression!
- 11:08 Be flexible
- 12:39 Professionalism
- 14:36 How to demonstrate expertise
- 16:34 Positioning yourself
- 17:41 Don’t be intimidated!
Links:
The ‘Find Your Calligraphy Style’ Challenge!
https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/style
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“Let’s rethink fun.”
- Shinah
Do you need to master the basics before you move onto the fun stuff?
I can’t speak for every area in life, but when it comes to creativity (especially calligraphy), I’m a strong believer in doing whatever it is you want to do!
Now, I didn’t always feel that way.
For most of my life, I thought that “fun” was the least important thing on my list. Getting the best grades, getting into a good college, landing a lucrative job, having a successful career, buying a house… maybe, MAYBE, after I’d accomplished all of those things, I could consider doing something just for fun.
Maybe you feel the same way. Maybe you feel that fun is a “nice to have” rather than a “must have”. An “eventually” rather than a “now”.
I’m here to tell you: fun isn’t frivolous. It’s actually pretty d*mn important!
And the time for fun is now.
When I believed that fun was frivolous and meaningless, guess what I lacked in my life? Fun! And once I realized how important it was and started consciously seeking it out, it turned my entire life around.
So, why do we have this weird idea that having fun is irresponsible or immature or a waste of our time??
And, importantly, how do we shake that misconception?
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- Why it’s so important to place real value on joy and fun in your life
- How you can integrate fun into learning the basics — and still wind up with amazing results
- How to sign up for my free ‘Find Your Calligraphy Style’ Challenge
Highlights:
- 00:38 Free ‘Find Your Calligraphy Style’ Challenge
- 01:14 Our problem with “fun”
- 02:21 My own history with fun
- 04:47 The point of human progress
- 05:18 Put value on joy!
- 06:15 My calligraphy journey
- 08:00 2 things to believe
- 10:08 Do what feels fun — you’re worth it!
Links:
The ‘Find Your Calligraphy Style’ Challenge!
https://crookedcalligraphy.lpages.co/style
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“I clearly remember my mother arguing with my fourth grade teacher because I had gotten a B+.”
- Shinah
If you’ve ever identified yourself as a perfectionist, whether you consider it a point of pride or something you want to change… you’re going to want to check out this episode.
I’ll be straight up with you right now — I am a recovering perfectionist.
I grew up with a family that expected me to get straight As (and preferably A+s) throughout my entire time in school.
Because I was so steeped in this environment of perfectionism, it followed me even into my career in corporate law. Being a perfectionist in corporate law wasn’t always the worst thing, but it can be very easy to let a focus on perfection derail your productivity or get in the way of living your best life… especially as a creative person.
There are two very different mindsets that people subscribe to when it comes to chasing perfection. One mindset allows perfectionism to be a constructive source of inspiration, but the other turns perfectionism into a destructive force.
It’s time for us to reframe how we look at perfectionism — and to figure out exactly how our perfectionism makes us FEEL. Your framework for perfectionism will have a big impact on how you feel about yourself and your work, so let’s get to work on healing your mindset!
It all starts right now!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The two very different ways that you can look at perfectionism
- The #1 question you need to ask yourself about your approach to perfectionism
- How to shift from insecure perfectionism to inspired perfectionism
Highlights:
- 00:47 My history of perfectionism
- 02:55 Two ways to look at perfectionism
- 03:51 How does perfectionism feel to you?
- 06:16 The main distinction
- 07:48 Inspired v. insecure perfectionism
- 09:22 Student examples
- 12:32 Law example
- 14:19 Let it go
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“Is it easy for you to know what you want?”
- Shinah
Picture this: you wake up and realize that you have an entire day to yourself. You can do literally anything — you have no responsibilities or obligations.
Do you know right away what you would do?
Or do you feel lost or anxious just thinking about it?
How you answer these questions depends on how strong your ‘want muscle” is.
What the heck is a want muscle, you ask? I define the want muscle as the ability to be deeply connected to what you truly desire at any given time, free of outside influences.
If you have a strong want muscle, you definitely have some good ideas about what you want! You could probably name a list of things right now if I asked you. You’re probably really decisive and have no trouble being the one to pick a restaurant for a date!
On the other hand, if you have a weak want muscle… making decisions is probably a lot more difficult for you. You may even struggle to figure out exactly what it is that you even want! Chances are you’re happy to go along with the crowd, instead of choosing the things that would actually bring you the most joy.
My want muscle was so weak that I spent ten years of my life as a lawyer... even though it made me miserable!
The want muscle is a concept I learned from a coach of mine, and it totally changed my mindset. Because you know what you can do with muscles? You can build them up and strengthen them.
No need for a warm-up, we can start working that muscle right now! All you have to do is hit play!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- How to identify whether or not you have a weak want muscle — and what may have caused it
- The impact that having a weak want muscle can have the way you live your life
- How to strengthen your want muscle so you can pursue what makes you happy!
Highlights:
- 01:20 The ‘want muscle’
- 02:05 Is your want muscle weak?
- 03:22 Why ‘wanting’ isn’t that easy
- 04:50 What led to my weak want muscle
- 05:59 What happens when you have a weak want muscle?
- 07:41 Shift your mindset & identify what you DON’T want
- 08:52 Learn how to listen to yourself
- 10:20 Identify the outside influences
- 11:29 Free resource for you!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“I was just really afraid to waste anything, and it was holding me back from trying a lot of things in my life.”
- Shinah
Fear of “waste” and letting go of the things that bring you down can prevent you from finding the things that light you up!
Fear of wasting something (time, money, effort, etc) is what keeps people in jobs that they hate. It’s what keeps people in bad or even abusive relationships. It’s what keeps people from switching their majors in college, even after they’re totally sure that their first choice was the wrong one.
The idea of “waste” is something I’ve struggled with for my entire life.
It’s definitely what kept me practicing corporate law even when I KNEW that it made me miserable.
I held off on quitting for so long because I’d put ten years into studying law, taking the bar exam, and building my career.
I thought that if I quit my job and tried to do something else instead, all of those years would have been a waste.
A waste of all that time. A waste of a ton of money. A waste of a huge amount of effort.
Letting go of something you’ve spent a lot of time on can feel wrong, or uncomfortable, or even scary. But I’m here to tell you: you’ve gotta do it!
Leaving my work as a lawyer ended up being the best possible thing that I could have done. I’m so much happier as a creative entrepreneur than I ever was as a corporate lawyer!
I know this is a topic that affects a lot of you as well, because every time I talk about my programs I get messages from people talking about their fear of waste.
Your fear of waste may not be keeping you from anything as drastic as switching careers, but I can promise you that it’s holding you back from something that could potentially bring you joy.
So let’s dive in and talk about exactly why fear of waste should NOT be the thing that holds you back from creative expression and exploring your interests!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The two biggest questions I get about wasting time and effort
- Why the sunk cost fallacy is a powerful argument against sticking with the things that don’t light you up
- Why the real truth is that NOTHING is actually a waste!
Highlights:
- 00:52 Why talk about waste?
- 02:20 Growing up with the idea of waste
- 03:16 The dark side of not being wasteful
- 04:39 The sunk cost fallacy
- 08:51 Destination v. journey
- 10:57 Pivoting
- 13:13 Nothing is a waste!
- 15:09 Free resource for you!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“Stop putting such a burden on yourself to find your ‘passion.’ Maybe just go find yourself some passionate practice!”
- Shinah
In this episode, I’m going to debunk a myth.
The myth of passion.
Our society has some really strong beliefs about the nature of passion. It’s supposed to be this thing that ties us to our innate purpose in life — think of examples like Mozart or LeBron James.
Passion is supposed to be this thing that lives inside us and draws us to our fate — and once we find that destiny, we’re supposed to somehow just excel at it automatically!
For the longest time, I felt like there was something wrong with me, because I never seemed to have that passion. In my last episode, I mentioned that I tried a long list of creative pursuits and never really felt passionate about any of them.
I tried woodworking, painting, making jewelry… you name it.
None of it ever lit me up. And I didn’t discover any hidden, amazing talent.
Maybe you feel the same way and don’t really have a creative outlet that sparks your interest.
But here’s the thing: I just hadn’t developed mine before I tried calligraphy. And I wasn’t a total pro when I first started, either!
So, let’s reframe the thinking about passion: passion is not something you find somewhere. It’s not your soulmate. It’s not out there waiting for you and it’s not your destiny.
The truth is that creative passion is something that you cultivate through practice.
And in the latest episode of The Shinah Show, I break down the how and why of unlocking it!
Tune in to find out:
- What goes into the myth of passion and why you need to reject it right now
- The three ‘somethings’ that will help you develop your own passionate practice
- Why developing a passionate practice doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve discovered your lifelong destiny — and why that is totally okay!
Highlights:
- 00:39 The myth of passion
- 02:55 Why the idea of innate passion is a myth
- 04:08 #1: something you enjoy
- 05:07 #2: something that you can see progress in
- 06:15 #3: something that you can work towards
- 07:35 Passionate practice doesn’t equal destiny
- 09:00 What I’ve observed in my students
- 10:15 Finding passion changes lives
- 11:35 Free resource for you!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“After I quit law and started exploring creatively on purpose… this felt different to me.”
- Shinah
Before discovering creativity, I worked as a corporate securities lawyer (which is as boring as it sounds), working incredibly long days. Before quitting law, I was yearning for some sort of creative expression or outlet in my life.
I explored many, many different creative things before falling in love with calligraphy and eventually turning it into a super-successful business.
So, some of you may be wondering — why calligraphy?
That’s exactly what I’m going to explain in this episode of The Shinah Show.
To do that, I want to break down the way that I approached creativity during three very different eras in my life: while I was still working as a lawyer, while I was in my ‘discovery phase’ after quitting law, and after I found my calling as a calligrapher and calligraphy teacher.
Before I quit law, I tried a long list of things like jewelry-making, watercolor painting, and woodworking, without really finding a level of connection. Let’s just say that I dabbled — I’d try something out, maybe stick with it for a few weeks or months, and then let the supplies gather dust in a closet somewhere.
It wasn’t until after I quit law that creativity started to feel more... intentional.
It felt like I was exploring on (and with) purpose — and accepting an invitation to myself to learn from my explorations.
And that shift in mindset? It was exactly what I needed to open myself up to really discovering the creative pursuit that would light me up!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The difference between exploring creativity and exploring creativity with purpose — and why it matters
- The two reasons why calligraphy was the perfect creative vehicle for me
- How passion and purpose actually play REALLY well together
Highlights:
- 00:41 Why calligraphy?
- 01:35 How I approached creativity before
- 03:12 How creativity felt post-law
- 04:40 Creativity after calligraphy
- 06:00 The purpose of purpose
- 07:24 Two reasons for choosing calligraphy
- 09:13 Find your creative purpose
- 12:00 Free resource for you!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
Facebook: facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“I was raised to think that there was only one path that I could take… the traditional corporate path.”
- Shinah
So, how exactly does someone with absolutely zero business or artistic training launch and grow an almost-million-dollar business as a creative entrepreneur?
If I hadn’t done it myself, I’d be just as confused as you!
In this episode, I dive more deeply into the nitty-gritty details of how I transformed from an unhappy corporate securities lawyer to an unsure wannabe creative entrepreneur to a wildly successful calligraphy artist and teacher who loves what she does.
(And since I love breaking things down, we’re going to tackle my story in three parts!)
My story starts back in childhood. I grew up with the idea that there was one path I needed to take in order to be successful. You know the one: study hard, get straight As, get into the best school I could, and land a prestigious job and financial stability.
As you can probably tell, perfection was a major theme during that period of my life.
To be honest, it never even occurred to me that there were other ways to be truly successful. I never really stopped to think about what I actually wanted my life to look like.
So, I took that path. I went to Harvard, got my law degree, landed the job… and felt completely miserable.
Until I decided to do something about it.
The rest of the story? You’ll have to listen to find out!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- What finally pushed me onto the path of creative entrepreneurship
- What I needed to do (and stop doing) in order to grow my business to $900k per year
- Why it’s totally okay to not love EVERYTHING about running your business
Highlights:
- 00:41 Let’s break it down
- 01:34 Part 1: How did I end up so miserable?
- 03:24 “Wait, what do I want my life to look like?”
- 05:19 The breaking point
- 05:54 Part 2: Creative exploration
- 07:02 Finding “the one”
- 07:45 Calligraphy business first steps
- 09:46 Part 3: Finding my sweet spot
- 11:14 Don’t feel guilty about not loving everything
- 13:29 Japanese concept of Ikigai
- 14:07 No overnight successes
- 15:48 The numbers
- 17:44 Stay on the path
- 18:26 The bottom line
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“In this episode, I’m going to share with you the one shift in thinking, the one mindset trick that has allowed me to do this — build a hugely successful creative business.”
- Shinah
Fact: the way that you think of yourself and your capabilities can make or break you as you go after your creative dreams
Scary but true!
I want to share with you the one major mindset shift that has allowed me to build a hugely successful creative business that lets me live the life I want to live… when I had ZERO experience doing anything like it before.
But first, let’s get one thing clear: life doesn’t become perfect once you do something creative for a living. Being an entrepreneur has its own challenges and anxieties, and it’s not a simple 9-5 gig.
Being your own boss doesn’t solve all of your problems — it just changes the shape of the problems you face.
But... it can also change the way that you think about yourself.
I used to think of myself as pessimistic, risk-averse, and SO NOT a businessperson.
Now, I think of myself as someone who is constantly growing, learning, and getting stronger. I no longer see failure as a reason to stop trying. I see possibilities and challenges as fun, instead of intimidating.
Being an entrepreneur changed the way I think about myself, because it also changed the way I THINK.
Taking multiple risks has helped me learn how to take calculated, educated risks. Making sales and building my network has given me new confidence in my entrepreneurial abilities.
Point being: the limiting beliefs you experience now may not be true. And if they ARE, they sure don’t have to stay that way!
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- The four things I used to believe about myself — and how entrepreneurship has changed my way of thinking
- Why being wrong about yourself may actually be the most exciting thing ever
- The social science experiment that proved the malleability of human personalities — and how this benefits you in business
Highlights:
- 00:10 Previous episode recap
- 01:19 Life is never perfect
- 02:55 Change how you see yourself
- 03:39 4 things I used to believe about myself
- 07:09 How I’ve changed
- 09:58 What if you’re wrong about yourself?
- 11:07 We are more malleable than we think
- 13:19 This episode’s takeaway
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“I actually don’t set an alarm in the morning. I just kind of wake up naturally whenever I want to wake up.”
- Shinah
I’m Shinah, a former corporate securities lawyer turned full-time calligrapher and calligraphy teacher.
My entrepreneurial journey could not have surprised anyone more than it surprised me.
Look — I practiced the most boring type of law imaginable before launching my business, Crooked Calligraphy, five years ago. I’d never really considered myself creative, or entrepreneurial, or an artist.
I wound up studying and practicing law because I thought that’s what I had to do. And once I was officially a lawyer, I thought that was it — I was stuck in this career that didn’t totally fulfill me or light me up… for the rest of my life.
I am here to tell you: I was NOT stuck… and neither are YOU.
Your brain may be telling you that your dreams are out of reach.
That you won’t be able to make money or support yourself by following your passion.
That the risk of taking that leap into trying to build your ideal life is way too high.
And that’s why I am launching this show. I want to explain how I made the transition, share the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and support you in your own journey to building the creative life that you’ve always wanted.
Tune into this episode of The Shinah Show to find out:
- What my typical day in 2021 looks like compared to 2012 — and how you can achieve the same transformation
- The importance of creating something every single day
- How your brain may be lying to you about what you’re capable of — and why you should second-guess your objections
Highlights:
- 00:34 The Shinah story
- 01:29 You are NOT stuck
- 02:16 A typical day in 2012
- 05:45 A typical day in 2021
- 08:15 Build an authentic life
- 10:25 Next week
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!
“I used to feel like I was living my life for other people, and now I’m more true to myself than ever.”
- Shinah
Hi! I’m Shinah, a former corporate securities lawyer turned wildly successful calligrapher and calligraphy teacher — yes, you read that right.
How exactly does someone with zero business or artistic training launch and grow a $900k business and build a life full of creativity and freedom? That’s exactly what this show is going to explore. Every week, I’ll share a lesson that I learned along my journey.
I spent a lot of my life believing that there was only one way to be successful (hint: it had nothing to do with creative fulfillment). I studied hard in school, took all the right extracurriculars, got into Harvard, got my law degree, got a job… and felt completely miserable.
Starting my own creative business took a lot of trial and error. I needed to learn everything as I went along. I made some mistakes before figuring out where my zones of genius lie.
And it was all incredibly worth it!
Maybe you feel like you’re stuck in a life that doesn’t light you up inside. Maybe you’re craving more creativity, but you don’t think you’re “artistic” or “talented” enough to really go after it.
Here’s some good news: you are NOT stuck.
You CAN follow your dreams — and succeed wildly!
I’m living proof. And that’s why I decided to launch this show.
I want to show people that they CAN break out of the unfulfilling routines and get more creative joy in their lives! I want to break down my transition, step-by-step, from someone who thought she had to live in a box that other people had built for her… to someone who believes she can create WHATEVER life she wants for herself. I want to share the lessons and tips that I learned on my journey. I want to be real and transparent about the struggles I went through and how I overcame them.
And I want to support you in your own journey to unleash your creativity and true self-expression.
Because life can be amazing. Let’s make it happen!
Subscribe now and never miss a single step on this journey.
It all starts here.
Highlights:
- 00:35 My story
- 01:16 What to expect from The Shinah Show
- 02:25 Episode 1 preview
- 03:52 Episode 2 preview
- 05:16 Episode 3 preview
- 07:41 A quick favor!
Links:
Learn calligraphy with me: www.freecalligraphyworkshop.com
Follow me!
Instagram: @crookedcalligraphy
facebook.com/crookedcalligraphy
Show notes can be found at theshinahshow.com
Watch these episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVJJZS9jYDmzePAnaGDiFuw
Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel, and ring the bell for notifications so you never miss an episode!